Passenger traffic for airlines experienced a 3.8% increase in 2024 compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), rose by 8.7% during the same year, achieving an overall occupancy factor of 83.5%, which marked a record for annual traffic.
Compared to 2023, international passenger traffic in 2024 grew by 13.6%, with a 12.8% increase in capacity. Meanwhile, domestic traffic increased by 5.7%, with a 2.5% growth in capacity. December 2024 recorded an 8.6% year-on-year increase in demand and a 5.6% growth in capacity.
Throughout the year, capacity increased by 9.5%, with an occupancy factor of 74.5%, representing a peak for Africa. North American airlines experienced a 6.8% annual traffic increase in 2024 compared to 2023. Despite this growth, opportunities for expansion remain high, as international RPKs remain 8.7% below 2019 levels.
For European airlines, annual traffic increased by 9.7% compared to 2023. Latin American airlines also recorded a 14.4% increase in passenger traffic in 2024. In the Asia-Pacific market, there was a 26.0% increase in international traffic during the same period.
IATA Director General Willie Walsh emphasized that 2024 made it clear that people have a great interest in traveling, highlighting the importance of maintaining a strong commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Given the anticipated growth in travel demand for 2025, Walsh noted the need to address the SAF shortage and reduce costs.
He emphasized that safety remains a priority and advocated for strengthening energy security through the production of renewable fuel and supporting renewable energy capacity. Walsh also suggested redirecting fossil fuel subsidies to support renewable energy sources as a means to drive prosperity through economic growth and job creation.
