September 2024: Passenger Demand Reaches All-Time High

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for September 2024 global passenger demand with the following highlights:

Total demand increased by 7.1% year-on-year in September, reaching a record high. Total Capacity in available seat kilometers (ASK) grew by 5.8%, resulting in a load factor of 83.6%

International demand rose by 9.2% year-on-year in September, with a capacity increase of 9.1% and a load factor of 83.8%.

MEA Regional Breakdown 

IATA reports that all regions experienced growth in international passenger markets in September 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. While European, Asian and African carriers saw improved load factors, the Americas and Middle East experienced declines.

Middle East

Middle Eastern carriers saw a 4.4% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 4.6% year-on-year and the load factor was 81.4% (-0.1ppt compared to September 2023).

Africa

African airlines saw an 11.9% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 6.6% year-on-year. The load factor rose to 76.0% (+3.6ppt compared to September 2023).

Decarbonising Aviation

Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General stated:

“Airlines are making significant investments to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. That needs to be accompanied by an equally active political vision, backed up by actions, to ensure we have efficient and sufficient airport and air traffic management capacity to meet the needs of citizens and businesses to travel.”