Global air traffic demand demonstrated continued growth in May 2025, climbing 5% year-on-year, as reported by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This persistent industry-wide recovery was largely propelled by a robust increase in international traffic, particularly driven by strong performance in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions. While international travel soared, domestic traffic presented a more mixed picture, with some regions recording gains and others experiencing declines.

International travel served as the primary catalyst for the surge in global passenger traffic, recording a significant 6.7% year-on-year jump in May 2025. Airlines in the Asia-Pacific region showcased a remarkable rebound, posting a standout 13.3% increase in international revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), a key indicator of demand. This growth was supported by a 10.6% rise in capacity, contributing to a stable load factor of 84.0%, which reflects high demand on long-haul routes and improved intra-Asia connectivity. The region’s expansion was further spurred by rising demand from both business and leisure travelers, alongside increased airline capacity. Middle Eastern carriers also made substantial contributions to global growth, with international RPKs increasing by 6.2%. Despite geopolitical disruptions that affected operations in late June, these airlines maintained a solid performance with a 6.3% increase in capacity and a high load factor of 80.9%, only a slight dip from the previous year. The region remains a vital global transit corridor, with major hubs like Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi connecting continents.

Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, commented on the uneven nature of growth: “Air travel demand growth was uneven in May. Globally, the industry reported a 5% growth, with the Asia-Pacific region taking the lead. However, severe disruptions in the Middle East remind us that geopolitical instability remains a challenge in some regions, though airlines maintained safe operations with minimal passenger inconvenience.”

Conversely, domestic air travel globally saw a more modest 2.1% increase in May 2025. Performance varied significantly across individual markets. China's domestic market experienced a robust 7.4% growth, and Brazil posted an impressive 18.3% rise, both benefiting from sustained consumer demand and increased airline activity. In stark contrast, the United States domestic market saw a 1.7% decline in passenger demand. This decrease was attributed to economic headwinds, including a reduction in government travel, which had previously bolstered domestic figures. The global domestic load factor registered at 83.7%, a slight decrease of 0.5 percentage points year-on-year, indicating ongoing challenges in maintaining high efficiency across diverse domestic regions.

Looking ahead, IATA maintains cautious optimism regarding the future of air travel, citing strong forward bookings for the northern summer season. While the recovery path is clear, the industry continues to navigate persistent uncertainties such as geopolitical risks and fuel price fluctuations. Walsh urged the industry to remain adaptable and vigilant, emphasizing the need to monitor external factors that could impact demand.

In conclusion, the 5% year-on-year expansion in May 2025 for the global air market signifies a constructive indication of ongoing restoration. The strong rebound in international traffic, led by the Asia-Pacific and Middle East, underscores the resilience of key markets and sustained desire for long-haul air transportation. Nevertheless, the varying performance within domestic markets, particularly in the United States, highlights that the recovery remains regionally patchy. Although the industry has made significant strides toward pre-pandemic levels, IATA's latest figures indicate that lingering issues require close observation in the months to come.