The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced full-year 2025 traffic results, revealing that global passenger demand reached a record high. Total demand for the year rose 5.3% compared to 2024, signaling a return to long-term growth trends following the post-pandemic recovery era.
The industry achieved milestone efficiency in 2025, driven by surging international travel and optimized seat management:
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Global Demand (RPK): Increased 5.3% year-on-year.
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Capacity (ASK): Expanded by 5.2%.
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Load Factor (PLF): Reached a record-breaking 83.6%, proving that airlines are filling more seats than ever before.
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December Surge: The year ended on a high note with December demand rising 5.6% over the same month in 2024.
While both sectors grew, international travel was the primary engine of expansion:
| Market Segment | Demand (RPK) | Capacity (ASK) | Load Factor (PLF) |
| International | +7.1% | +6.8% | 83.5% (Record High) |
| Domestic | +2.4% | +2.5% | 83.7% |
Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, noted that while the numbers are celebratory, they highlight critical infrastructure and environmental pressures. “2025 saw demand return to historical growth patterns, but this success puts two key challenges into sharp focus: decarbonization and the supply chain,” said Walsh.
Walsh identified supply chain disruptions as the “biggest headache” for the industry in 2025. Unreliable delivery schedules for aircraft and engines, alongside maintenance constraints, cost the industry an estimated $11 billion.
“Airlines scrambled to accommodate demand by keeping older aircraft in service longer. While the 83.6% load factor shows we managed the crisis effectively as a ‘band-aid,’ we need real solutions. 2026 must mark a rebound in manufacturing to ensure a quieter, cleaner, and more capable fleet.”
To protect long-term growth, IATA is calling on governments to implement supportive fiscal policies that accelerate the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Walsh emphasized that connectivity and economic growth depend on the energy sector’s ability to scale green solutions rapidly.
