The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released November 2024 global passenger demand data, showing an 8.1% year-on-year increase in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK). Capacity grew by 5.7%, and the load factor reached a record 83.4% (+1.9 percentage points).

International demand rose 11.6% compared to November 2023, with capacity up by 8.6% and a load factor of 83.4% (+2.3 ppt). Strong growth was driven by carriers in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Domestic demand increased by 3.1%, with a capacity rise of 1.5% and a load factor of 83.5% (+1.2 ppt).

IATA Director General Willie Walsh highlighted robust growth but noted supply chain issues delaying aircraft deliveries, hindering airlines’ ability to meet rising demand. He called for urgent solutions from aerospace manufacturers to address these challenges.

Asia-Pacific airlines led international demand growth with a 19.9% year-on-year increase, followed by African airlines at 12.4% and Latin American carriers at 11.4%. European carriers recorded a 9.4% rise, while the Middle East saw an 8.7% increase. North America experienced more modest growth at 3.1%.

Domestically, India saw the highest RPK growth at 13.3%, followed by China at 10.5%, and Brazil at 9.6%. The US domestic market contracted by 2.7%, reflecting a decline in low-cost carrier activity.