IATA: Strong air travel growth continues
Global air travel continued its climb back to a full recovery, according to the International Air Transport Association’s May 2023 traffic data report.
Total passenger traffic in May 2023 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 39.1% compared to May 2022.
Globally, traffic is now at 96.1% of May 2019 (pre-pandemic) levels.
Domestic passenger traffic was up 36.4% compared to a year-ago and is now 5% above pre-pandemic.
IATA says International traffic is back to 90.8% of pre-pandemic levels.
Notably, the North America and Middle East regions have surpassed pre-Covid passenger traffic numbers.
The total industry load factor rose to 81.8%.
“Heading into the busy Northern summer travel season, international demand reached 90.8% of pre-pandemic levels,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
North American carriers’ have the highest average load factor at over 85%.
Europe is just marginally lower, while Asia Pacific is at 80%.
APAC airlines had a 156.7% increase in May 2023 traffic compared to a year earlier.
“The strong demand for travel is one element supporting a return to profitability by airlines,” Walsh added.
IATA expects airlines globally to post a $9.8 billion net profit in 2023.
TravelMole Editorial Team
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.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt