International Air Transport Association (IATA) data for August 2025 showed total global passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), was up 4.6% compared to August 2024, whilst air cargo demand was up by 4.1%.

Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), was up 4.5% year-on-year. The August load factor was 86.0% (+0.1 ppt compared to August 2024), a record high for the month.  

International demand rose 6.6% compared to August 2024, capacity was up 6.5% year-on-year and the load factor was 85.8% (+0.1 ppt compared to August 2024). Domestic demand increased 1.5% compared to August 2024 and capacity was up 1.3% year-on-year. The load factor was 86.3% (+0.1 ppt compared to August 2024).  

Willie Walsh (above), IATA’s Director General said: “August year-on-year demand growth of 4.6% confirms that the 2025 peak northern summer travel season reached a new record high. Moreover, planes were operating with more seats filled than ever with a record load factor of 86%. 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. 

"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.”