Travellers in the Asia-Pacific region accelerated demand for a strong start to the year as the latest International Air Transport Association (IATA) data shows total global passenger growth was up 10 per cent year-on-year as capacity also rose by 7.1 per cent compared to January 2024.
In January 2025, Asia-Pacific carriers contributed to more than half of the net increase in industry total passenger traffic (56.6%) and higher demand in both international and domestic sectors.
Asia-Pacific carriers achieved a 21.8 per cent year-on-year increase in passenger demand in January 2025 as YOY capacity also increased by 16.5 per cent with a load factor of 86.7 per cent.
Traffic from Northeast Asia was particularly strong while passenger demand from Asia-Pacific carriers to all major markets continued to increase at a fast rate as flights are fuller than ever.
IATA said the strong growth in demand aligns with passenger sentiment. Its most recent survey indicated 94 per cent of travellers plan to travel as much or more in the next 12 months as in 2024.
Globally, international demand in January 2025 rose 12.4 per cent compared to January 2024, capacity was up 8.7 per cent year-on-year, and the load factor was 82.6 per cent – an all-time high for January.
Domestic demand rose 6.1 per cent compared to January 2024, capacity was up 4.5 per cent year-on-year and the load factor was 81.2 per cent – also a January record.
Asia-Pacific carriers fuel demand amid constraints
IATA Director General Willie Walsh said: “We’ve seen a notable acceleration in demand this January with a particularly strong performance by carriers based in the Asia-Pacific region.”
“The record-high load factors that accompany this strong demand are yet another reminder of the persistent supply chain issues in the aerospace sector.
“Airlines are doing a good job of accommodating growing demand amid fleet and infrastructure constraints,” he said.
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