The global aviation lobby International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported a record-setting demand for global air travel in September 2024, with a 7.1 pc increase in revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs) compared to September 2023.

In a press statement, IATA says that this growth signals the sector’s post-pandemic recovery momentum, underscored by robust demand for international travel.

Capacity also rose by 5.8 pc, while the global passenger load factor reached 83.6 pc.

The statement adds that international travel demand surged 9.2 pc year-on-year, with capacity up 9.1 pc, maintaining a load factor of 83.8 pc.

IATA says that domestic travel grew 3.7 pc, with minimal capacity increases but a 2.4-point rise in load factor, reaching 83.3 pc.

This period of peak travel has bolstered both tourism and trade globally, says Willie Walsh, Director General, IATA, though he cautioned about potential capacity strains without expanded airport and air traffic resources.

Willie Walsh

“The year’s peak travel season ended with demand at an all-time high. This is good news not just for passengers but also for the global economy. Every flight creates more jobs and trade. But the air travel success story is bringing challenges. We will soon face a capacity crunch in some regions which threatens to curtail these economic and social benefits. Governments will face a choice, lose out to more dynamic nations who value global connectivity, or forge a consensus for sustainable growth,” says Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

“Airlines are making significant investments to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. That needs to be accompanied by an equally active political vision, backed-up by actions, to ensure we have efficient and sufficient airport and air traffic management capacity to meet the needs of citizens and businesses to travel,” he adds.

IATA says that Asia-Pacific led with an 18.5 pc demand increase, as capacity grew 17.7 pc, lifting the load factor to 82.6 pc. Europe reported a 7.6 pc growth, maintaining the highest load factor at 85.9 pc.

The statement adds that Middle East saw a 4.4 pc demand rise, with an 81.4 pc load factor. North America experienced a modest 0.5 pc demand uptick, though the load factor dropped slightly to 84.4 pc.

Latin America posted a 12.4 pc demand increase, with an 84.3 pc load factor. Africa recorded an 11.9 pc demand rise, achieving a significant load factor increase to 76 pc. While demand remains high, Walsh urged governments to support sustainable aviation infrastructure, as airlines strive for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

IATA report says this is a critical phase for the aviation sector, requiring government collaboration to meet soaring travel needs while ensuring sustainable growth.