International Air Travel Demand Remains Robust In June

Global air travel demand remained elevated in June, with international demand rising 12.3% compared to the same month last year, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

In June 2024, international air travel demand surged by 12.3% year-over-year, outpacing the 8.5% increase in total capacity. This led to a robust load factor of 85.0%. Domestic travel also saw an increase, with demand up 4.3% and capacity rising by 2.1%, while the load factor held steady at 85.0%.

IATA Director General Willie Walsh commented on the data, stating, “Demand grew across all regions as the peak Northern summer travel season commenced in June. With overall capacity growth lagging behind demand, we observed a very strong average load factor of 85% in both domestic and international operations.” He further emphasized the dual nature of high load factors: “Operating with such high load factors is both beneficial and challenging. It underscores the necessity for all stakeholders to maintain high efficiency levels to minimize delays and ensure timely travel.”

North American airlines experienced a 6.6% increase in demand compared to June 2023, with capacity up by 8.6%. The region’s load factor was the highest among all regions at 88.7%, though it saw a slight decrease of 1.6 percentage points from the previous year.

In contrast, Asia-Pacific airlines, which had a slower recovery from pandemic restrictions, reported a significant 22.6% rise in demand. Capacity in the region increased by 22.9%, and the load factor was 83.0%, down 0.2 percentage points from June 2023.

Walsh also remarked on the broader impact of aviation, noting, “As the Olympic Games unfold in Paris, the aviation industry takes pride in its role in facilitating the gathering of athletes, fans, and officials. This serves as a reminder of how aviation connects our vast world into a global community. We extend our best wishes to France as it hosts the games and to all the athletes who will showcase the pinnacle of human achievement in the coming weeks.”