Passenger demand in August, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), was up 4,6% compared with August 2024, reaching a new record high during the summer travel season. This is a slight increase from the 4% recorded in July.
Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), was up 4,5% year-on-year, while the August load factor was 86% (a 0,1 percentage point increase compared with August 2024), a record high for the month.
International demand reached 6,6% in August year-on-year. International traffic was the dominant driver of growth, accounting for 87% of the nett increase in global RPK in August.
African airlines saw a 7,1% year-on-year increase in demand, while capacity was up 5,3% year-on-year. The load factor was 79,7% (a 1,3 percentage point increase compared with August 2024), the highest increase of all the regions this month.
“August growth confirms that the 2025 peak northern summer travel season reached a new record high. Moreover, planes were operating with more seats filled than ever with a record load factor of 86%. Despite economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, the global growth trend shows no signs of abating, as October schedules are showing airlines planning 3,4% more capacity,” said Willie Walsh, IATA Director General.
