Global Air Passenger Demand Hits Record High in 2024

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that global air passenger demand reached an all-time high in 2024, increasing by 10.4% over the previous year and surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 3.8%. The growth was driven by a significant rise in international travel, which saw a 13.6% increase in traffic, complemented by a 5.7% increase in domestic travel. IATA's Director General, Willie Walsh, emphasized the industry's commitment to safety and sustainability, noting the challenges posed by limited capacity growth due to supply chain constraints. Looking ahead, IATA forecasts a more moderated growth rate of 8% for air travel demand in 2025. Meanwhile, U.S. airlines like Delta and United are optimistic, projecting strong financial performance despite ongoing capacity issues stemming from maintenance and production delays. These challenges are expected to persist into 2025 and beyond, affecting overall capacity growth.