The International Air Transport Association (IATA) revealed that the total passenger traffic (measured in RPKs revenue passenger kilometres) in the air passenger market in September 2024 increased by 7.1% YoY in September 2023, setting a record high for September. The total capacity (measured in ASKs available seat kilometres) increased by 5.8% YoY.

The data showed that international demand increased by 9.2% YoY in September 2023. The capacity increased by 9.1% YoY, and the load factor rose to 83.8%, up 0.1 percentage points YoY. Domestic demand increased by 3.7% YoY in September 2023. The capacity increased by 0.7% YoY, and the load factor was 83.3%, up 2.4 percentage points YoY.

Looking at the domestic passenger market, domestic demand in all major markets is stable growth. Except Japan, domestic passenger traffic in September reached a record high.

In the international passenger market, all regions' international passenger markets grew YoY in September 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The load factors varied: Europe had the highest load factor, and the load factors of airlines in Asia and Africa also improved, but those in the Americas and the Middle East decreased.

Willie Walsh, IATA's Director-General, said: "The end of this year's travel season marks the highest demand ever. It is good news for travellers and for the global economy. Every takeoff and landing means more jobs and trade. But there are challenges behind the booming air travel. In some regions, we will soon face a shortage of capacity, which may weaken the economic and social benefits. Governments will face a choice: lag behind more dynamic countries that value global interconnectedness or agree on sustainable growth. Airlines are investing heavily in achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, which needs to be matched by equally ambitious political visions and action to ensure we have efficient and sufficient airport and air traffic management capacity to meet the travel needs of people and businesses."