August Sees Surge in Global Air Passenger Demand

(MENAFN) Global air passenger demand surged by 4.6% in August compared to last year, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported on Tuesday.

Available seat kilometers—a key measure of air capacity—increased by 4.5% during the same period.

The load factor reached a record August high of 86%, up 0.1 percentage point from August 2024.

International passenger demand jumped 6.6% year-over-year, while domestic travel rose 1.5%.

IATA Director General Willie Walsh commented: "Despite economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, the global growth trend shows no signs of abating, as October schedules are showing airlines planning 3.4% more capacity."

Walsh emphasized airlines’ efforts to maximize efficiency in response to rising travel demand, stating it "makes it even more critical for the aerospace manufacturing sector to sort out its supply chain challenges."

Air Cargo Demand Also Expands
In a separate release on Tuesday, IATA revealed that total air cargo demand grew 4.1% year-on-year in August, marking the sixth consecutive monthly increase. Air cargo capacity, measured in available cargo ton-kilometers, climbed 3.7%.

Walsh noted that cargo volumes continue to expand amid shifting global trade dynamics.

"Air cargo has benefited from a shift from sea for some high-value goods as shippers try to minimize the risk of tariff changes. And growth patterns indicate some being diverted away from North America, fueling stronger growth for the Europe–Asia, Within Asia, Africa–Asia, and Middle East–Asia trade lanes," he said.

He added this flexibility is vital as shippers adjust to the changing US tariff policies.

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