IATA: 2024 global air travel demand was at record high
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its 2024 full-year performance showing a record high level of demand.
Total full-year traffic in 2024 (RPK) rose 10.4% compared to 2023.
This was 3.8% above pre-pandemic (2019) levels.
Total capacity (ASK), was up 8.7% in 2024 while the overall load factor reached 83.5%, a record for full-year traffic.
International full-year traffic in 2024 increased 13.6% compared to 2023, and capacity was up 12.8%.
On the domestic front, IATA says full-year traffic for 2024 grew 5.7%, while capacity expanded by 2.5%.
IATA says December 2024 was a strong finish to the year with overall demand rising 8.6% year-on-year, and capacity up by 5.6%.
December 2024 international demand rose by 10.6%.
“2024 made it absolutely clear that people want to travel. With 10.4% demand growth, travel reached record numbers domestically and internationally,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
“Looking to 2025, there is every indication that demand for travel will continue to grow, albeit at a moderated pace.”
IATA remains committed to its net zero carbon emissions goal by 2050.
While airlines invested more than ever in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in 2024, less than 0.5% of fuel needs were met with SAF.
SAF is in short supply and costs must come down, IATA sys.
“Governments could fortify their national energy security and unblock this problem by prioritizing renewable fuel production from which SAF is derived,” said Walsh.
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