Global passenger traffic rose 5% in May 2025 compared to a year earlier, driven by strong international demand and record efficiency on global routes, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
International travel led the surge, with demand climbing 6.7% year-on-year and capacity up 6.4%. The international load factor reached 83.2%, marking the highest ever for May. Domestic demand grew more modestly at 2.1%, with a slight dip in load factor to 83.7%.
Asia-Pacific posted the strongest regional growth at 9.4%, while North America saw a rare decline, falling 0.5% due to a 1.7% drop in U.S. domestic travel.
“Air travel demand growth was uneven in May,”
said IATA Director General Willie Walsh. He also flagged the impact of late-June disruptions in the Middle East, highlighting the ongoing risks of geopolitical instability.
Despite challenges, oil prices remained low throughout May and forward bookings for the peak summer season suggest robust consumer confidence, pointing to a strong travel outlook ahead.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
