In 2024, Brazil secured the fourth spot in global aviation with a load factor of 81.9 percent, just ahead of Australia at 81.8 percent and Japan at 78 percent.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s aviation sector recorded 163 million domestic air travelers in 2024.
Globally, both domestic and international aviation demand reached all-time highs, with the total international traffic for 2024 growing by 13.6 percent compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, capacity increased by 12.8 percent.
Overall, global air travel, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs), grew by 10.4 percent in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 3.8 percent. The total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), increased by 8.7 percent, pushing the overall load factor to an unprecedented 83.5 percent, as per the IATA report.
December 2024 marked a strong conclusion to the year, with overall demand rising 8.6 percent year-over-year, and capacity growing by 5.6 percent. International traffic surged by 10.6 percent, while domestic travel saw a 5.5 percent increase. The December load factor reached an all-time high of 84 percent for the month.
IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh, emphasized that the 2024 growth clearly demonstrated a strong public desire to travel. With a 10.4 percent growth in demand, aviation reached new peaks globally. Despite supply chain challenges limiting capacity expansion, airlines filled an average of 83.5 percent of available seats.
Walsh also noted that the aviation industry’s growth brings benefits across economies, including job creation, innovation, and trade. However, he highlighted the challenges of ensuring safety, pointing to a tragic incident in Washington, and reaffirmed IATA’s commitment to continuous safety improvements. As we look toward 2025, demand is expected to rise at a steadier rate of 8 percent, aligning with historical trends.