Global Passenger Traffic Grows 8% in April, Reports IATA
The global aviation sector continues its strong recovery and expansion. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported this Thursday that passenger demand in April 2025 grew by 8.0% compared to the same month last year, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK). This increase was accompanied by a 6.5% rise in global capacity (ASK), resulting in an average load factor of 83.6%, up 1.1 percentage points from April 2024.
Strong International Momentum: 10.8% Demand Growth and Record Load Factor
International traffic was the primary driver of growth. In April, cross-border demand surged by 10.8%, while capacity increased by 8.5%. The load factor reached 84.1%, the highest ever recorded for April, marking a 1.7 percentage point improvement.
Asia-Pacific airlines led international growth, with demand expanding by 14.4% and capacity rising by 12.7%, achieving a load factor of 85.3%.
In Europe, carriers saw a 9.4% increase in demand, with capacity up 7.7% and a load factor of 84.5%.
The Middle East also demonstrated strength: demand grew by 11.2%, capacity by 6.6%, and the load factor rose to 83.1%, a notable 3.4 percentage point improvement.
Latin America experienced 13.9% growth, though capacity slightly outpaced demand (14.6%), causing a marginal dip in the load factor to 83.2%.
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Africa regained momentum with a 13.6% demand increase after two months of decline, while capacity rose by 8.9%, pushing the load factor to 76.3%.
In North America, international demand climbed by 5.4%, with a 2.6% capacity increase and a load factor of 83.4%. However, airlines in the region reported a 26% drop in business and first-class travel.
Domestic Performance: India Leads, U.S. Stagnates
Domestic traffic also grew, albeit at a more moderate pace of 3.3%, with capacity expanding by 3.1%. The load factor stood at 82.7%, just 0.1 percentage points higher than the previous year.
India remains the most dynamic domestic market, with demand growth exceeding 10%. Despite a slight dip in its load factor due to even greater capacity expansion, it maintains the highest level among major domestic markets.
Brazil also reported solid double-digit growth. In contrast, the United States saw a 0.5% decline in domestic traffic, marking the third consecutive monthly drop, raising concerns about consumer and business confidence in that market.
During the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in New Delhi, Director General Willie Walsh highlighted aviation’s key role in connectivity and economic development. “The growth in the transatlantic market is encouraging,” he stated, “though signs of fragility persist in both consumer and corporate sector confidence.”
Walsh emphasized India’s case: “The growth of air connectivity in India has been phenomenal, and this meeting is a powerful reminder of how aviation drives progress.”
A Promising Yet Cautious Future
April 2025 data reflects a robust recovery in global air travel, particularly in international routes. However, IATA warns of red flags in the North American market and premium service demand, factors that could influence performance in the coming months.
Aviation remains both an economic barometer and a key driver of global development. While some regions are soaring, others will need to adjust course to maintain momentum.
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