Quantcast

Airlines earn minimal profit per passenger amid rising revenues

Delta CEO says the Trump administration will reverse government ‘overreach’ seen under Biden
Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy: How will it affect your travel plans?
Asia's airlines blame supply chain woes for disrupted operations
Qantas and Qatar Airways: Planned partnership in the Australian aviation industry under the microscope
Spirit Airlines delays release of Q3 financial results as debt restructuring talks heat up
Delta investigating after plane’s nose mysteriously suffered damage
What Elon Musk's Starlink means for airlines
CAP OFF Major twist in Dublin Airport passenger cap row as High Court pauses decision in victory for airlines next summer season
Riyadh Air plans new jet order decision early next year
Calls for a blanket ban on politicians receiving free flight upgrades
Wizz Air Loses Challenge Against EU-Approved Romanian Aid for TAROM
Southwest, Other Airlines Plan a Shake-Up. Why They Need More to Boost Their Stocks.
One of Boeing's biggest customers leveled fresh criticism over ongoing 737 Max delivery delays
Low-Cost Airlines Innovate with Subscription Models
LA Considers $25 And $30 Minimum Wages For Hotel And Airport Workers
Airlines are on the hook for more than you think if something goes wrong with your trip
WA Labor & Industries plans to create new airline worker protections
Airlines must now give automatic refunds for significant delays. Here's what to know.
American Airlines Technical Operations, Fleet Service, Cargo and Central Load Planning team members ratify new agreement
Spirit Airlines Pursues Bankruptcy as a Path to Tie-Up With Frontier
American Airlines fined $50M for violating disability laws
Canada's flight attendant union applauds NDP bill to end unpaid work in the airline sector
American Airlines testing new technology that would crack down on boarding
Exciting New Airline Routes Coming to North
Another city ignores airport commission's advice, zones for housing near JWA
United shares hit pre-pandemic high after airline forecasts strong finish to 2024, plans buyback
Alaska Airlines Just Made Its Loyalty Program Even More Lucrative With New Rewards, Better Upgrades, and More
Food safety problem closes Detroit airline kitchen leaving 200 flights without meals
5 Reasons Why Kazakhstan's Air Astana Is Establishing Itself As A Key Player In Asian Aviation
JetBlue is no longer serving hot food in economy class on transatlantic flights
Airlines earn minimal profit per passenger amid rising revenues
Policy
Webp received 1879165362622158
International Air Transport Association | Official Website

In 2025, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) expects a global net profit for the airline industry of $36.6 billion, translating to a 3.6% profit margin. The operating profit is anticipated to be $67.5 billion.

Airlines are expected to earn minimal profits per passenger. Middle Eastern carriers are projected to make $23.90 in net profit per passenger in 2025. Globally, IATA estimates an average profit of $7.00 per passenger for the same year.

Regional variations exist in airline profitability:

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Region Profit per Passenger (2024) Profit per Passenger (2025)
Middle East $23.10 $23.90
North America $10.30 $11.80
Europe $8.20 $9.20
Latin America $3.20 $3.80
Asia Pacific $1.80 $1.80
Africa 90¢ $1.00
Global industry average: $6.40 $7.00
"North America continues to be the most significant contributor to industry profits, supported by a high passenger load factor, robust yields, and strong consumer spending despite cost-of-living pressure," IATA reported via Forbes.

Boeing's last profitable year was in 2018 when it earned $19 billion. Since then, it has faced losses due to various crises including the MAX crisis and COVID-19 pandemic impacts on supply chains.

"...the global economy counts on air cargo to deliver the $8 trillion of trade that gets to customers by air,” said Willie Walsh.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Flying Food Group has been providing catering services for Brightline Trains since August 2023.

Jun 10, 2025

Flying Food Group's Los Angeles International (LAI) facility successfully catered the inaugural STARLUX Airlines flight from Ontario International Airport to Taipei on June 2, 2025.

Jun 9, 2025

Airbus has released its order and delivery statistics for May, revealing that the company did not secure any new orders during the month.

Jun 9, 2025

Wizz Air is set to increase its capacity by approximately 20% in the year leading up to March 2026, despite facing challenges with a portion of its fleet being grounded due to Pratt & Whitney GTF engine issues.

Jun 9, 2025

ITA Airways is reportedly planning to expand its operations by launching over a dozen new long-haul routes in the next five years.

Jun 9, 2025

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans to suspend airline operations at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on the evening of June 14.

Jun 9, 2025