IATA’s data for May's global passenger demand shows that total global demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), increased by 5% compared with May 2024. This is lower than the 8% increase recorded in April.
African airlines saw a 9,5% year-on-year increase in demand, also lower than the 13,6% increase reported in April.
Total global capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), was also up 5% year-on-year in May, while African airlines increased by 6,2%.
The global industry’s load factor reached 83,4% (a 0,1 percentage point decrease compared with May 2024). African airlines’ load factor rose to 74,9% (a 2,2 percentage point increase).
“Air travel demand growth was uneven in May. Globally, the industry reported a 5% growth, with the Asia-Pacific region leading the way at 9,4%. The outlier was North America, which reported a 0,5% decline, led by a 1,7% fall in the US domestic market.
“Severe disruptions in the Middle East in late June remind us that geopolitical instability remains a challenge in some regions as airlines maintain safe operations with minimal passenger inconvenience. The impact of such instability on oil prices, which remained low throughout May, is also a critical factor to monitor. Importantly, consumer confidence appears to be strong with forward bookings for the peak Northern summer travel season, giving good reason for optimism,” said Willie Walsh, IATA DG.
