The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for October 2024 global passenger demand with the following highlights:

Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 7.1% compared to October 2023. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 6.1% year-on-year. The October load factor was 83.9% (+0.8ppt compared to October 2023).

International demand rose 9.5% compared to October 2023. Capacity was up 8.6% year-on-year and the load factor rose to 83.5% (+0.6 ppt compared to October 2023). 

Domestic demand rose 3.5% compared to October 2023. Capacity was up 2.0% year-on-year and the load factor was 84.5% (+1.2 ppt compared to October 2023). 

Regional breakdown 

International markets

All regions showed growth for international passenger markets in October 2024 compared to October 2023. Europe had the highest load factors, and Africa showed a sharp increase, but the Americas and the Middle East suffered falls. 

Domestic markets

The US showed a surprise slight decline, while all other key domestic markets showed stable growth. Fast-growing Chinese domestic demand is being met with increased use of wide-body aircraft.