Global passenger demand rose 4.6% in August 2025, compared to a year prior, according to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
IATA director general Willie Walsh said the demand growth confirmed this year's “peak northern summer travel season reached a new record”.
During the month, capacity was up 4.5%, while load factor averaged a record 86%, which was a positive 0.1 percentage point compared to August last year.
“Despite economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, the global growth trend shows no signs of abating, as October schedules are showing airlines planning 3.4% more capacity," said Walsh.
"Airlines are doing their best to meet travel demand by maximising efficiency, making it even more critical for the aerospace manufacturing sector to sort out its supply chain challenges.”
International demand and capacity climbed 6.6% and 6.5% respectively. Load factor averaged at 85.8%, a 0.1 percentage point increase.
Domestic demand and capacity climbed 1.5% and 1.3% respectively. Load factor was 86.3%, up 0.1 percentage point.