Global Air Passenger Demand Grows 4% in July, According to IATA
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that global passenger demand in July 2025 increased by 4% compared to the same month in 2024. This growth was primarily driven by international travel, which showed a more robust recovery than in previous months.
In terms of capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometers (ASK), an increase of 4.4% was recorded. The global load factor stood at 85.5%, representing a slight decrease of 0.4 percentage points compared to July last year.
“It has been a good summer season for airlines in the northern hemisphere. Demand reached 4% growth in July, showing an acceleration compared to June. This is reflected across all regions, with particular momentum in international travel. Furthermore, flight volumes for September already show a 2% year-on-year increase, positioning companies to take advantage of this trend in the coming months,” highlighted Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA.
Global Passenger Market Overview for July 2025
- Total demand (RPK): +4.0%
- Total capacity (ASK): +4.4%
- Load factor: 85.5% (-0.4 ppt)
Performance was uneven across regions:
- Africa: +3.9% in demand, with a load factor of 75.1%.
- Asia-Pacific: +5.7% in RPK, load factor stable at 83.2%.
- Europe: +2.9% in demand, load factor at 88.0%.
- Latin America: +7.2% in RPK, with an 85.7% load factor.
- Middle East: +5.4% in demand, 83.8% load factor.
- North America: +1.9% in RPK, with an 87.5% load factor.
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International Travel: Latin America and Asia-Pacific Lead Growth
- International demand rose 5.3% in July, with capacity 5.8% higher than in 2024. However, the load factor declined in nearly all regions except Africa.
- Asia-Pacific: 8.7% growth in RPK and an 83.8% load factor.
- Europe: 4.0% increase in demand, with an 87.3% load factor.
- North America: +2.4% in RPK, but a drop in load factor to 88.4%. Traffic between North and South America was the only segment to decline, at -0.8%.
- Middle East: +5.3% in demand, recovering from disruption caused by military conflict in June.
- Latin America: The largest jump, with a 9.3% increase and a load factor of 85.8%.
- Africa: +2.8% in RPK, reaching a 74.9% load factor, with strong momentum on routes to Asia.
Domestic Markets: Brazil and Japan Stand Out
Domestic demand advanced 1.9% compared to July 2024, with capacity 2.4% higher. The load factor decreased slightly to 85.2%.
Brazil was again the most dynamic market, while Japan reached a historic record: an 81.4% load factor in July, the highest figure for that month since the year 2000.
Outlook for the Coming Months
July’s performance confirms that airlines are experiencing a positive season. The international rebound, along with signs of recovery in the Middle East and a record in the Japanese market, reinforces expectations for sustained growth towards the end of 2025.
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