Global Air Travel, Cargo Demand Rise in May

(MENAFN) Worldwide air passenger demand increased by 5 percent in May 2025 compared to the previous year, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on Monday. The total air capacity, calculated in available seat kilometers, also grew by 5 percent during the same timeframe.

The load factor, which represents the percentage of available seating capacity filled with passengers, was 83.4 percent in May, slightly decreasing by 0.1 percentage points compared to May of the prior year.

In May, international passenger demand surged by 6.7 percent, while domestic demand saw a more modest rise of 2.1 percent year-over-year.

IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh commented on the situation, stating, "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."

He also emphasized the importance of monitoring the effect of such instability on oil prices, which remained low throughout May.

Walsh further noted that consumer confidence seems robust, citing strong advance bookings for the peak northern hemisphere summer travel period as a positive sign for the industry.

In a separate announcement released by IATA on Monday, it was revealed that total air cargo demand climbed by 2.2 percent year-on-year in May, despite ongoing trade disruptions.

Air cargo capacity, measured in available cargo ton-kilometers, increased by 2 percent.

Walsh described the overall growth as encouraging, highlighting a significant 10.7 percent decline in traffic on the Asia-to-North America trade route, reflecting the dampening impact of evolving US trade policies.

He added, "Even as these policies evolve, already we can see the air cargo sector’s well-tested resilience helping shippers to accommodate supply chain needs to flexibly hold back, re-route, or accelerate deliveries."

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