SINGAPORE, 2 October 2025: The August year-on-year global passenger demand growth of 4.6% confirms that the 2025 peak northern summer travel season reached a new record high, according to the International Air Transport Association’s data released for August 2025.
Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), was up 4.6% compared to August 2024. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), was up 4.5% year-on-year. The August load factor was 86% (+0.1 ppt compared to August 2024), a record high for the month.
International demand rose 6.6% compared to August 2024. Capacity increased by 6.5% year-over-year, and the load factor was 85.8% (+0.1 percentage points compared to August 2024).
Domestic demand increased 1.5% compared to August 2024. Capacity was up 1.3% year-on-year. The load factor was 86.3% (+0.1 ppt compared to August 2024).
“August year-on-year demand growth of 4.6% confirms that the 2025 peak northern summer travel season reached a new record high. Moreover, planes were operating with more seats filled than ever, with a record load factor of 86%. 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. Airlines are doing their best to meet travel demand by maximising efficiency, making it even more critical for the aerospace manufacturing sector to sort out its supply chain challenges,” said IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh.
Regional Breakdown – International Passenger Markets
International RPK growth reached 6.6% in August year-on-year, and load factor reached a historic high. International traffic was by far the dominant driver of growth, accounting for 87% of the net increase in global RPK in August.
Asia-Pacific airlines achieved a 9.8% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased by 9.5% year-over-year, and the load factor was 85.1% (+0.2 percentage points compared to August 2024). Growth was driven by strong demand from China and Japan (+11.8% and +12% respectively).
European carriers had a 5.3% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased by 5.3% year-over-year, and the load factor remained flat (0.0 percentage points compared to August 2024).
North American carriers saw a 1.8% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased by 2.6% year-over-year, and the load factor was 87.5% (-0.6 percentage points compared to August 2024). This was the fourth consecutive month of YoY declines in international PLF for North America.
Middle Eastern carriers saw an 8.2% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased by 6.9% year-over-year, and the load factor was 83.9% (+1.0 percentage points compared to August 2024).
Latin American airlines saw a 9.0% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity climbed 9.3% year-on-year. The load factor was 84.7% (-0.2 ppt compared to August 2024).
African airlines saw a 7.1% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 5.3% year-on-year. The load factor was 79.7% (+1.3 ppt compared to August 2024).
