IATA: Passenger Demand Growth Despite Slowdown in February 2025
African airlines saw a 6.7% year-on-year increase in demand in February 2025, with capacity up 4.0% and a load factor of 75.3%.
IATA reported that global air passenger demand increased in February 2025, despite a slowdown compared to previous months.
Strong performance in international markets helped offset declines in North America’s domestic and international segments.
Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, stated: “While traffic growth slowed in February, much of this can be explained by factors including the leap year, and lunar new year falling in January compared to February last year. February traffic hit an all-time high, and the number of scheduled flights is set to continue increasing in March and April.”
Despite overall growth, Walsh highlighted ongoing concerns about aviation infrastructure and passenger rights policies, particularly in Europe and the UK:
“The recent shut-down of Heathrow reminded us once again that the current passenger rights regime in place in Europe and the UK is not fit for purpose. Genuine reform of EU261 must ensure that all parties responsible for delays have a stake in the consequences.“
MEA Regional Breakdown
Middle East
Middle Eastern carriers saw a 3.1% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased by 1.3% year-on-year, and the load factor was 81.9% (+1.4 ppt compared to February 2024).
Africa
African airlines recorded a 6.7% year-on-year increase in passenger demand. Capacity rose by 4.0% year-on-year, while the load factor improved to 75.3% (+2.0 ppt compared to February 2024).