IATA released data for May 2025 showing total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), was up 5 per cent compared to May 2024.
Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), was also up 5 per cent year-on-year. The May load factor was 83.4 per cent (-0.1 ppt compared to May 2024).
Middle East airline data
International demand rose 6.7 per cent compared to May 2024. Capacity was up 6.4 per cent year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.2 per cent (+0.2 ppt compared to May 2024). This is a record load factor on international flights for May.
Middle Eastern carrierssaw a 6.2 per cent year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 6.3 per cent year-on-year, and the load factor was 80.9 per cent (-0.1 ppt compared to May 2024).
Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, said: “Air travel demand growth was uneven in May. Globally, the industry reported 5 per cent growth with Asia-Pacific taking the lead at 9.4 per cent.
“The outlier was North America which reported a 0.5 per cent decline, led by a 1.7 per cent fall in the US domestic market. Severe disruptions in the Middle East in late June remind us that geopolitical instability remains a challenge in some regions as airlines maintain safe operations with minimal passenger inconvenience.
“The impact of such instability on oil prices—which remained low throughout May—is also a critical factor to monitor.
“Importantly, consumer confidence appears to be strong with forward bookings for the peak Northern summer travel season, giving good reason for optimism”.
