Global air passenger traffic hits new highs, with India’s domestic growth leading the pack, IATA data shows

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported strong growth in global passenger traffic for November 2025, highlighting the sustained recovery and expansion of global aviation demand.

According to the latest data, total air travel demand – measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK) – rose 5.7% year-on-year, while airline capacity rose 5.4%, marking one of the strongest November performances in recent years. Load factors also reached record levels for the month, at 83.7%, signaling a tightening balance between demand and available seats.

IATA Director General Willie Walsh highlighted ongoing capacity constraints linked to aerospace supply chain challenges, noting that manufacturers will need to increase production to meet airline needs and reduce the order backlog by more than 17,000 aircraft by 2026.

Regional trends

Across all regions, Asia Pacific led the recovery with a 9.3% year-on-year increase in passenger demand, outpacing other markets and maintaining high load factor levels. Europe and the Middle East also saw solid gains, while North America saw more modest increases.

A highlight of IATA’s analysis was India’s domestic market, which recorded one of the strongest growth rates in the world. Domestic passenger traffic in India climbed 7.7% year-on-year, with seat capacity up 8.7% and an impressive load factor of 88.5%, well above many other major markets. This places India among the fastest growing domestic aviation sectors in the world and reflects the growing demand for air travel within the country.

Outlook: resilience in the face of challenges

As the global aviation industry continues to expand, IATA data highlights a mixed picture across different regions. Some carriers, notably in North America, experienced slower load factor growth, while African airlines recorded double-digit increases. Overall, the outlook suggests resilience in passenger demand, although geopolitical headwinds and supply chain constraints persist.

November’s strong results set a positive tone for the start of 2026, but the industry’s ability to maintain this trajectory – particularly given challenges such as aircraft delivery delays – will be critical for stakeholders in the airlines, airports and travel sectors around the world.