Global Air Passenger Demand Rises 6.6% in October: IATA Report
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released global passenger traffic data for October 2025, showing continued growth across international and domestic markets.
Total passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), increased by 6.6% compared to October 2024. Capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), rose by 5.8%. The global load factor reached 84.6%, up 0.7 percentage points from the previous year.
International traffic grew 8.5% year-on-year with a 7.1% rise in capacity. The international load factor stood at 84.6% (+1.1 ppt). Domestic traffic increased 3.4% year-on-year, with capacity up 3.6% and a load factor of 84.6% (-0.1 ppt).
Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, said: “October recorded a 6.6% increase in demand compared to the previous year. Notably, international traffic for North American carriers rose 4.5% after several months of limited movement. Capacity projections for November and December indicate continued interest in holiday travel and end-of-year business activity. Despite the uncertain economic outlook for 2026, demand for air travel remains steady, supporting jobs and economic growth.”
Air Passenger Market Overview – October 2025 (Year-on-Year)
| Region | RPK | ASK | Load Factor Change | Load Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Market | 6.6% | 5.8% | +0.7 ppt | 84.6% |
| Africa | 8.8% | 8.3% | +0.3 ppt | 73.9% |
| Asia-Pacific | 8.1% | 6.6% | +1.2 ppt | 85.1% |
| Europe | 6.7% | 5.4% | +1.1 ppt | 87.0% |
| Latin America & Caribbean | 6.1% | 5.8% | +0.2 ppt | 84.6% |
| Middle East | 10.5% | 8.1% | +1.8 ppt | 82.4% |
| North America | 2.5% | 3.6% | -1.0 ppt | 82.9% |
International Passenger Markets
International RPK rose 8.5% year-on-year, supported by growth in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. Most regions recorded higher load factors compared to the previous year.
Asia-Pacific carriers achieved a 10.9% increase in international demand, with strong growth on routes to and from China, Japan and Vietnam, each exceeding 10%.
Europe saw demand rise 7.4%, with capacity up 6.0% and a load factor of 86.5%.
North America recorded a 4.5% increase in demand, with capacity up 4.7% and a load factor of 84.2%.
Middle East carriers posted a 10.7% increase in demand, partly reflecting a low comparison base from 2024 due to regional disruptions.
Latin America recorded a 7.2% increase in demand with capacity rising 8.2%.
Africa saw demand rise 7.3%, with capacity up 5.3% and a load factor of 74.1%.
Domestic Passenger Markets
Domestic demand increased 3.4% year-on-year with a load factor of 84.6%. Brazil recorded the strongest domestic growth at 12.4%.
| Market | RPK | ASK | Load Factor | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Total | 3.4% | 3.6% | 84.6% | -0.1 ppt |
| Australia | 3.8% | 5.1% | 85.2% | -1.1 ppt |
| Brazil | 12.4% | 10.5% | 85.2% | +1.5 ppt |
| China | 5.7% | 4.6% | 85.5% | +0.9 ppt |
| India | 4.6% | 5.5% | 81.5% | -0.7 ppt |
| Japan | 4.2% | -0.6% | 88.3% | +4.1 ppt |
| United States | 1.3% | 3.1% | 82.0% | -1.5 ppt |
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