Global passenger demand up 13.8% in March

Geneva - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for March 2024 global passenger demand, which showed that total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs), was up 13.8 percent compared to March 2023. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 12.3 percent year-on-year. The March load factor was 82 percent (+1.0ppt compared to March 2023).

International demand rose 18.9 percent compared to March 2023; capacity was up 18.8 percent year-on-year and the load factor improved to 81.6 percent (+0.1ppt on March 2023).

Domestic demand rose 6.6 percent compared to March 2023; capacity was up 3.4 percent year-on-year and the load factor was 82.6 percent (+2.5ppt compared to March 2023).

“Travel demand is strong. And there is every indication that this should continue into the peak Northern Summer travel season. We must have the capacity to meet this demand and ensure a hassle-free travel experience for passengers. That means making urgent progress to resolve supply chain issues and for airports and air traffic management to be fully staffed and operating at maximum efficiency. While airlines are prepared for customer care and assistance when operational issues arise, they are fed-up with bearing the cost when delays and cancellations are the results of poor preparation in other parts of the value chain,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Middle Eastern airlines saw a 10.8 percent year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 13.9% year-on-year and the load factor fell -2.1ppt to 77.5% compared to March 2023.