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Passenger demand reaches September all-time high

Total passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 7.1% compared to September 2023, an all-time high for September, says IATA, but warns a capacity crunch in some regions is on horizon.

Pictured: Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA

Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), was up 5.8% year-on-year. The September load factor was 83.6% (+1.0ppt compared to September 2023). 

International demand rose 9.2% compared to September 2023 with capacity up 9.1% year-on-year and the load factor rising to 83.8% (+0.1ppt compared to September 2023). 

Domestic demand was lower at 3.7% compared to September 2023 with capacity up 0.7% year-on-year and the load factor was 83.3% (+2.4ppt compared to September 2023).  “The year’s peak travel season ended with demand at an all-time high. This is good news not just for passengers but also for the global economy. Every flight creates more jobs and trade. But the air travel success story is bringing challenges. We will soon face a capacity crunch in some regions which threatens to curtail these economic and social benefits.

“Government’s will face a choice: lose out to more dynamic nations who value global connectivity, or forge a consensus for sustainable growth. Airlines are making significant investments to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. That needs to be accompanied by an equally active political vision, backed-up by actions, to ensure we have efficient and sufficient airport and air traffic management capacity to meet the needs of citizens and businesses to travel,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.


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