Quantcast

IATA reports mixed performance in global air passenger demand for February 2025

Here's how Southwest Airlines' new seating and boarding process will work
Delta Adds New Route to Asia
Southwest Airlines will begin selling assigned seats in 2025
United Airlines Pilot Buys Passengers Pizza In Albuquerque After Flight Was Delayed 7 Hours
Airlines begin canceling flights, offering rebooking ahead of Hurricane Helene
Southwest Airlines to cut service and staffing in Atlanta to slash costs
New heights, new features: Discover Alaska’s enhanced Flight Pass subscription service
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
American Airlines welcomes JetSMART to the award-winning AAdvantage program
Explore Japan for free? Japan Airlines offers free domestic flights to foreign travelers
Delta named Official Airline Partner of Birmingham City Football Club
American Airlines to Cut These Routes to Las Vegas, Orlando, and More — Here's Why
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
Southwest wouldn't really start charging for bags — right?
JD Power ranked this Midwest airport as the best among largest airports in North America
Alaska Airlines Chief Plans More Routes After a Deal With Hawaiian
Air Canada could begin suspending flights soon as strike deadline nears
JetBlue's new ticket policy entitles every passenger to a carry-on bag
Why United Airlines’ CEO makes as few decisions as possible
American invests in the future of aviation maintenance with new jobs, additional work
DOT probe seeks to determine if frequent flyer programs are fair to travelers
American Airlines flight diverted after passenger starts vaping
Russian Airline Wants $100 Million From Canada for Seizing Its Giant Cargo Plane
Here's where American Airlines is adding flights to Europe in summer 2025
Major airline grounds Airbus A350 fleet, citing faulty engine component
Airline CEO wants airports to cap passengers at 2 alcoholic drinks to limit on-board disruptions
Regulator cuts Malaysia Airlines' air operator certificate duration after probe
United Airlines flight attendants are prepared to strike. Here's why it's still unlikely.
2 workers killed, 1 injured in tire explosion at a Delta Air Lines shop in Atlanta
Emirates Will Buy 5 Airbus A380s From Lessor For $200 Million
IATA reports mixed performance in global air passenger demand for February 2025
Research
Webp 4su88dc1gicsx7da9fj5fpom6sed
Frédéric Léger Senior Vice President Commercial Products & Services | International Air Transport Association - IATA

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has issued its data for February 2025 concerning global passenger demand. The overall passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), rose by 2.6% compared to the same period last year. Capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), increased by 2.0% year-on-year. The load factor for February was registered at 81.1%, reflecting a slight increase from February 2024.

International travel demand grew by 5.6% from February 2024, with a 4.5% rise in capacity and a load factor of 80.2%. In contrast, domestic travel saw a decline of 1.9% in demand compared to the previous year, with capacity decreasing by 1.7% and a load factor of 82.6%.

Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General, commented, “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. But we need to keep a close eye on developments in North America, which saw falls in both domestic and international traffic.”

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.

Walsh also highlighted concerns about passenger rights regulations in Europe following disruptions at Heathrow, stating, “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. The annual costs of compensation, care and assistance run into the billions. Thankfully, the Polish Presidency of the EU has recognized that this is a drag on European competitiveness and is progressing much-needed and long-anticipated reforms to EU261.”

Regionally, all areas except North America saw increased demand in international passenger markets. Asia Pacific airlines experienced a 9.5% increase, while European carriers noted a 5.7% rise. Middle Eastern carriers saw a 3.1% increase. North American airlines, however, faced a 1.5% decrease in demand. Latin American and African airlines both experienced a significant rise of 6.7% in demand.

In domestic markets, China faced a 3.2% decline, attributed partly to seasonal holiday shifts, and the US saw a 4.2% fall in domestic traffic. Conversely, domestic markets in India showed strong demand growth of 13.2%.

February data reveals variations in regional performance, suggesting selective growth and challenges across different geographical and economic landscapes. The IATA findings point to a trend of recovery yet highlight areas needing monitoring, especially in North America and Europe regarding passenger rights policies.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

London Heathrow, recognized as Europe's busiest airport, will soon experience an increase in its flight offerings by Oman Air.

Sep 2, 2025

Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport will commence safety and airfield improvement projects on Runway 12R-30L in two distinct phases throughout 2025.

Aug 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines is adjusting its service between Atlanta and Anchorage, extending flights beyond the summer travel season to a year-round offering.

May 15, 2025

In December 2022, Southwest Airlines faced a major crisis as operational challenges led to the cancellation of 16,900 flights, affecting nearly two million passengers during a peak travel period.

Apr 19, 2025

Harrison Ford, an acclaimed actor known for roles such as Han Solo in "Star Wars" and Indiana Jones, is also a noted aviation enthusiast.

Apr 19, 2025

Iberia Airlines has confirmed a notable shift in its flight schedule connecting Madrid and Dallas/Fort Worth, introducing its first overnight service from Europe to the US.

Apr 19, 2025