Global air passenger demand continued to climb in April 2025, with an 8.0% year-over-year increase in total traffic, according to new data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).?
The surge outpaced a 6.5% growth in airline seat capacity, pushing the global load factor to 83.6%up 1.1 percentage points from April 2024.
International travel led the charge, with a 10.8% increase in demand and a record-high April load factor of 84.1%. Domestic markets grew more modestly at 3.3%.
April was a positive month for travel. Growth strengthened, especially for international demand which saw record load factors for the month, said IATA Director General Willie Walsh.?
The return of the transatlantic market to growth is particularly encouraging. But there are some signs of fragility of consumer and business confidence with continued weakness in the U.S. domestic market and a sharp fall in North American premium class travel.
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North America was the only region to report a drop in domestic traffic. U.S. domestic demand fell by 0.5%its third consecutive monthly declinedespite a 3.4% increase in seat capacity. The load factor dropped 3.1 points to 80.6%.
Indias domestic market continued its rapid ascent, with a 10.1% rise in passenger demand.?
It is notable that Indian domestic growth is running at over 10%. The development of Indias air connectivity in recent years has been nothing short of phenomenal, added Walsh, as IATA convenes in New Delhi this week for its 81st Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit.
Regional Highlights
- Asia-Pacific carriers posted the strongest international growth at 14.4%, with a load factor of 85.3%
- European airlines saw a 9.4% rise in international demand, while Middle Eastern carriers were close behind at 11.2%.
- Latin America recorded a 13.9% jump in international demand, although its load factor dipped slightly to 83.2%.
- African carriers reversed a two-month slump, notching 13.6% growth and a 3.1-point increase in load factor to 76.3%
- North America grew 5.4% in international demand, but premium class traffic dropped sharply by 26%.
Among domestic markets, Brazil saw the strongest growth at 13.5%, followed by India and China, with increases of 10.1% and 7.0%, respectively.?
Japan and Australia also posted solid gains, although both remained below the global average.
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IATAs April report demonstrates strong consumer demand on international routes.?
The softness in U.S. domestic and premium class travel suggests a more complex outlook for the months ahead.
View the?April 2025 Air Passenger Market Analysis?(pdf)
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