Air travel demand reaches record levels in 2024
05-02-25
In 2024, the aviation industry experienced unprecedented growth in global air travel demand. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global demand increased by 10.4% compared to 2023 and by 3.8% over 2019, setting a new all-time record.
International traffic was the main driver of this growth, registering an increase of 13.6% in 2024. This increase was accompanied by a 12.8% expansion in airline capacity for international routes, which made it possible to meet the growing demand from passengers opting for destinations outside their home countries.
On the domestic side, demand also showed an upward trend, with growth of 5.7% compared to the previous year. Capacity on domestic flights increased by 2.5%, reflecting a sustained recovery in the domestic markets of several countries.
December 2024 closed with particularly positive results. Total air travel demand increased by 8.6% compared to December 2023, while capacity grew by 5.6%. The occupancy factor, which measures the percentage of seats filled on flights, reached 84% in December, setting a record for the month.
Willie Walsh, IATA's director general, stressed that the 2024 results "make it absolutely clear that people want to travel." He also stressed that aviation growth has a positive impact on societies and economies through job creation, market development, trade, innovation and exploration.
Looking ahead to 2025, IATA expects air travel demand to continue its upward trend, with an estimated growth of 8%, approaching historical industry averages. However, Walsh noted that there are challenges ahead, including security issues, especially in light of recent incidents in the industry.
This notable increase in air travel demand reflects a robust recovery in the sector following the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The easing of travel restrictions, coupled with increased passenger confidence in the security measures implemented by airlines and airports, have contributed significantly to this rebound.
Airlines have responded to this increase in demand by expanding their fleets and routes. For example, the Iberia Group, which includes Iberia, Iberia Express and Iberia Regional Air Nostrum, reached its all-time record in 2024 by carrying 30.73 million passengers. This achievement is attributed to increased demand for both business and leisure travel, as well as good performance in all markets and the opening of new destinations during the year.
Globally, tourism also showed signs of recovery. According to UN Tourism data, 1.4 billion international tourist arrivals were recorded in 2024, representing a 99% recovery compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. This increase is due to strong post-pandemic demand, the solid performance of key outbound markets and the continued recovery of destinations in Asia-Pacific.
However, the aviation industry must remain vigilant to a number of challenges. In addition to safety concerns, there are issues related to environmental sustainability and airport capacity management. Airlines and airport authorities are working together to implement more sustainable practices and improve operational efficiency to ensure a balanced and responsible growth of the sector.
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