Global air travel demand up in March
Global air travel saw a double digit rise in March, according to monthly traffic data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs), was up 13.8% on March 2023.
Total capacity, in available seat kilometres was up 12.3% year-on-year.
The load factor for March 2024 was slightly up to 82%
International air travel demand rose 18.9% compared to March 2023; while capacity was up 18.8% year-on-year.
Domestic was up 6.6% with capacity up 3.4% year-on-year.
“Demand for travel is strong and every indication that this should continue into the peak Northern summer travel season,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
It is critical that we have the capacity to meet this demand and ensure a hassle-free travel experience for passengers.”
While all regions showed strong growth for international passenger markets in March 2024, Asia Pacific airlines led the way.
Capacity increased 37.4% year-on-year and the load factor rose to 85.6%.
However, the number of flights from China to North America is still only 16.5% of pre-pandemic levels.
Europe and North America both saw double digit growth in demand in March.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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