The International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) latest passenger traffic report has estimated a five per cent increase in global passenger traffic demand.

The surge, reported for May 2025, is not unconnected with the start of summer travels, despite regional conflicts and safety concerns.

The report highlighted that total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), was up 5.0 per cent compared to May 2024. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), was also up 5.0 per cent year-on-year. The May load factor was 83.4 per cent (-0.1 ppt compared to May 2024).

International demand rose 6.7 per cent compared to May 2024. Capacity was up 6.4 per cent year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.2 per cent (+0.2 ppt compared to May 2024). This is a record load factor on international flights for May.

Domestic demand increased 2.1 per cent compared to May 2024. Capacity was up 2.8 per cent year-on-year. The load factor was 83.7 per cent (-0.5 ppt compared to May 2024).

IATA’s Director-General, Willie Walsh, noted that air travel demand growth was uneven in May. “Globally, the industry reported five per cent growth with Asia-Pacific taking the lead at 9.4 per cent. The outlier was North America, which reported a 0.5 per cent decline, led by a 1.7 per cent fall in the U.S. domestic market.

“Severe disruptions in the Middle East in late June remind us that geopolitical instability remains a challenge in some regions as airlines maintain safe operations with minimal passenger inconvenience.

“The impact of such instability on oil prices—which remained low throughout May—is also a critical factor to monitor. Importantly, consumer confidence appears to be strong with forward bookings for the peak Northern summer travel season, giving good reason for optimism,” Walsh said.

In regional performances, Asia-Pacific airlines achieved a 13.3 per cent year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 10.6 per cent year-on-year, and the load factor was 84.0 per cent (+2.0 ppt compared to May 2024).

European carriers had a 4.1 per cent year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 4.8 per cent year-on-year, and the load factor was 84.0 per cent (-0.6 ppt compared to May 2024).

North American carriers saw a 1.4 per cent year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 1.7 per cent year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.8 per cent (-0.3 ppt compared to May 2024).

Middle Eastern carriers saw a 6.2 per cent year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 6.3 per cent year-on-year, and the load factor was 80.9 per cent (-0.1 ppt compared to May 2024).

Latin American airlines saw an 8.8 per cent year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity climbed 11.0 per cent year-on-year. The load factor was 83.6 per cent (-1.7 ppt compared to May 2024).

African airlines saw a 9.5 per cent year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 6.2 per cent year-on-year. The load factor was 74.9 per cent (+2.2 ppt compared to May 2024). Africa-Asia is the fastest-growing international corridor, with an expansion of 15.9 per cent.