Total global air passenger volumes surged by 10.4% in 2024 as a whole, and were almost 4% ahead of pre-Covid 2019 levels.
Latest monthly figures from aviation representative group the International Air Transport Association (IATA) also show that December saw a strong finish to the year with passenger demand up 8.6% year-on-year.
“2024 made it absolutely clear that people want to travel. With 10.4% demand growth, travel reached record numbers domestically and internationally. Airlines met that strong demand with record efficiency.
“On average, 83.5% of all seats on offer were filled—a new record high, partially attributable to the supply chain constraints that limited capacity growth. Aviation growth reverberates across societies and economies at all levels through jobs, market development, trade, innovation, exploration, and much more,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
