The International Air Transport Association (IATA) today released data on global air passenger demand for November 2024, with the following highlights:

- Total demand, measured in passenger kilometers (RPK), increased by 8.1% compared to November 2023. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), increased by 5.7% year-on-year. November load factor was 83.4% (+1.9 ppt compared to November 2023), an all-time high for November.

- International demand increased 11.6% compared to November 2023. Capacity increased 8.6% year-over-year and load factor was 83.4% (+2.3 ppt compared to November 2023). Strong carrier performances in Europe and Asia-Pacific drove this double-digit expansion in demand.

- Domestic demand increased by 3.1% compared to November 2023. Capacity increased by 1.5% year-on-year and load factor was 83.5% (+1.2 ppt compared to November 2023).

"November was another month of strong growth in air travel demand with overall expansion of 8.1%. The month was also another reminder of the supply chain issues that are preventing airlines from getting the aircraft they need to meet growing demand. Capacity growth is lagging demand by 2.4 ppt and load factors are at record highs. Airlines are missing opportunities to better serve customers, modernise their products and improve their environmental performance because aircraft are not being delivered on time. The 2025 New Year's resolution for the aerospace manufacturing sector must be to find a quick and lasting solution to their supply chain issues", said Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General.

Regional Breakdown - International Passenger Markets

All regions reported growth for international passenger markets in November 2024 compared to November 2023. Europe recorded the highest load factors (85.0%), while Asia-Pacific led the growth with a 19.9% year-over-year expansion in demand. Asia-Pacific airlines achieved a 19.9% year-over-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 16.2% year-over-year and the load factor was 84.9% (up 2.6 ppt from November 2023).

European carriers had a 9.4% year-over-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 7.1% year-over-year and load factor was 85.0% (up 1.8 ppt from November 2023).

Middle Eastern carriers reported an 8.7% increase in demand year-over-year. Capacity increased 3.9% year-over-year and load factor was 81.0% (up 3.6 ppt from November 2023).

North American carriers reported a 3.1% year-over-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 1.6% year-over-year and load factor was 81.0% (up 1.1 ppt from November 2023).

Latin American airlines reported an increase in demand of 11.4% year-on-year. Capacity increased by 11.9% year-on-year. Load factor was 84.4% (-0.4 ppt vs. November 2023).

African airlines recorded a 12.4% increase in demand year-on-year. Capacity increased by 6.0% year-on-year. Load factor rose to 72.9% (+4.1 ppt vs. November 2023).

Domestic passenger markets

Domestic RPK increased 3.1% year-over-year, slowing slightly from the 3.5% growth seen in October. Signs of steady growth were seen in all markets except the United States, which contracted 2.7%, deeper than the 1.2% year-over-year decline seen in October. This is part of a slowing trend in the U.S. domestic market since June 2024 and primarily reflects lower activity from low-cost carriers. U.S. major carriers continued to post growth over the same period.