Global Air Travel Demand Rises 3–4% in September 2025

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released statistics on the global air transport market for September 2025, reporting growth in both passenger and cargo traffic.

According to IATA, total passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), increased by 3.6% compared to September 2024. Available seat kilometers (ASK) grew by 3.7%, while the load factor (PLF) remained high at 83.4% (-0.1 pp).

The main driver of growth was international flights, accounting for 90% of the increase in demand. Domestic traffic showed moderate growth of 0.9%, with the load factor slightly decreasing by 0.1 pp to 83.0%.

Regional passenger traffic showed significant variations. The Asia-Pacific region experienced the strongest growth — RPK rose by 5.3%, with a load factor of 83.6% (+1.1 pp).

In Europe, demand grew by 2.9%, with a load factor of 86.2% (-0.3 pp), while North America saw a slight decline in domestic demand (-0.1% RPK) and a load factor drop to 81.2% (-1.5 pp).

Among domestic markets, Brazil led with RPK growth of 12.1% and a load factor of 84.4%. China and Japan also reported growth, while the US domestic market declined by 1.7%, showing the lowest load factor among major countries at 80.2%.

Air cargo demand continued its steady growth. Total demand, measured in cargo ton-kilometers (CTK), increased by 2.9% year-on-year, while available cargo capacity (ACTK) grew by 3.0%.

The strongest growth was observed in Africa (+14.7% CTK) and the Asia-Pacific region (+6.8%). North and Latin America experienced declines of 1.2% and 2.2%, respectively.

IATA noted that changes in trade flows, especially between Asia and North America, were offset by growth within Asia and on routes connecting Asia–Europe, Middle East–Asia, and Africa–Asia.

The statistics were influenced by a 5.4% rise in jet fuel prices and a 3.7% year-on-year increase in global goods trade.

IATA Director General Willie Walsh stated, “The aviation market is successfully adapting to new conditions and is ready for the upcoming holiday travel season. International flights remain the primary growth driver, with load factors staying at consistently high levels.”

September 2025 confirmed that the global aviation industry continues its post-pandemic recovery, demonstrating resilience to changes in global trade and economic conditions.