Iata, passenger traffic to increase by 5.3% in 2025
Freight traffic has adapted to the new tariffs by strengthening in Asia. Geopolitical tensions and trade developments will weigh heavily in 2026
by Mara Monti
Record growth in both passenger and cargo traffic in 2025, according to the latest figures released by Iata, the International Air Transport Association. Last year, total demand (measured in passenger-kilometres flown, or RPKs) increased by 5.3% compared to 2024 and total capacity (ASK) by 5.2%, with the overall load factor reaching 83.6%, up 0.1 percentage points, record levels for traffic for the entire year.
International demand was strong, up 7.1% year-on-year, capacity up 6.8% and load factor at 83.5%, up 0.2% year-on-year. Domestic demand grew by 2.4% year-on-year, capacity +2.5% and the load factor averaged 83.7%, down 0.1% compared to 2024.
Increasing Saf's production and improving the supply chain
'Strong growth in 2025,' said Willie Walsh, Director General of Iata, 'brings the industry back in line with historical growth patterns after the strong post-COVID recovery. There are two challenges facing the industry: decarbonisation and the supply chain. For the first, governments must provide a favourable fiscal policy framework to rapidly accelerate the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The second, supply chain related, was the main problem for airlines in 2025 that found themselves not having enough aircraft to meet travel demand as major manufacturers were delaying deliveries. A scenario that increased costs by more than $11 billion. 'It is hoped that this year will mark a turning point,' according to Iata, 'because each new aircraft means a quieter and less polluting fleet.
Freight traffic has adapted to the new tariffs
For freight traffic, demand for the whole of 2025, measured in freight tonne-kilometres (CTK), increased by 3.4 per cent compared to 2024 (4.2 per cent for international operations), while capacity, measured in available tonne-kilometres (ACTK), increased by 3.7 per cent compared to 2024 (5.1 per cent for international operations).
In 2026, trade and geopolitical developments will weigh heavily
The strength of global e-commerce drove volumes, despite trade relations with the US being characterised by increased tariffs, the abolition of de minimis tariff exemptions and continued political uncertainty. Air freight was able to seize the opportunity. It adapted quickly to support companies and product deliveries were brought forward before the imposition of tariffs. "The result has been increased demand within Asia and between Asia and Europe, in the face of stagnating trade between the US and Asia," Walsh commented. "Growth in 2026 is expected to be limited to 2.4 per cent, with demand continuing to be influenced by trade and geopolitical developments."
