Middle Eastern airlines recorded a substantial 10.8% year-on-year surge in passenger demand, while African carriers also experienced a commendable 8.1% year-on-year growth.

Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, commented on the robust demand, stating, “Demand for travel is strong. And there is every indication that this should continue into the peak Northern Summer travel season.” He emphasised the importance of addressing supply chain issues and ensuring operational efficiency across airports and air traffic management to meet this rising demand.

Regional Breakdown – International Passenger Markets

• Asia-Pacific: Leading the way, Asia-Pacific airlines witnessed a remarkable 38.5% year-on-year increase in demand. Despite a substantial capacity increase of 37.4% year-on-year, the load factor rose to an impressive 85.6%, the highest among all regions.
• Europe: European carriers saw an 11.6% year-on-year rise in demand, with a corresponding capacity increase of 11.4%. The load factor slightly improved to 79.9%.
• Middle East: While Middle Eastern airlines saw a capacity increase of 13.9% year-on-year, the load factor experienced a slight decline to 77.5% compared to March 2023.
• North America: North American carriers observed a significant 14.5% year-on-year surge in demand, alongside a capacity increase of 14.8%. However, the load factor fell slightly to 84.7%.
• Latin America: Latin American airlines experienced a notable 19.7% year-on-year increase in demand, with capacity climbing by 18.3%. The load factor rose to 84.3%.
• Africa: African airlines reported an 11.0% year-on-year increase in capacity. However, the load factor declined to 70.3% compared to March 2023.

The data reflects a positive trend in passenger demand across various regions, underscoring the aviation industry’s gradual recovery from the impact of the pandemic. As travel demand continues to rebound, stakeholders must remain vigilant in addressing operational challenges to ensure a seamless travel experience for passengers worldwide.