Tourexpi
Thanks
to a 10.4% year-on-year surge, global passenger demand exceeded pre-pandemic
levels by 3.8% in 2024, according to the International Air Transport
Association (IATA) data released on Thursday.
The
aviation industry also saw its highest-ever load factor for the year, reaching
83.5%.
Capacity
expanded by 8.7% at an annualized pace, showcasing airlines’ ability to meet
growing passenger demand while achieving operational efficiency.
IATA
Director General Willie Walsh highlighted the strong appetite for travel,
underscoring the industry's resilience and recovery.
"Aviation
growth reverberates across societies and economies at all levels through jobs,
market development, trade, innovation, exploration, and much more," he
said.
International
travel saw remarkable growth, with demand increasing by 13.6% compared to the
previous year. Domestic travel also showed solid annual gains, with 5.7%.
Walsh
pointed to critical challenges for the sector, underlining the importance of
safety, particularly following Wednesday’s mid-air collision between a
passenger plane and an army helicopter near Washington, and called for renewed
focus on sustainable practices.
Despite
record investments in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) last year, its
availability remains limited, meeting less than 0.5% of the industry’s needs,
he said.
"Governments
could fortify their national energy security and unblock this problem by
prioritizing renewable fuel production from which SAF is derived," Walsh
said.
Looking
ahead, IATA projects continued demand growth in 2025, with an estimated 8%
increase, aligning with historical trends.
In
a separate statement on Wednesday, the IATA said global demand for air freight,
measured in cargo ton-kilometers, surged 11.3% in 2024.
Image
Credit: © AA
The most interesting news
Emirates celebrates the love and luck of Lunar New Year
Celebrating Lunar New Year on the 29 January and heralding the year of the snake, Emirates customers can embrace the luck of the season.
UN Tourism in Morocco: Driving Investments and Celebrating Innovation
UN Tourism has strengthened its partnership with the Kingdom of Morocco, a key ally in its mission to grow innovation across Africa and boost investments into the tourism sector of the region.
TUI Musement Reveals Top 10 European Cities for a Romantic Valentine’s Day Getaway
Unexpected Winners: Paris and Rome make the list, but some lesser-known destinations claim the top spots.
Andorra becomes 25th country to adhere to the International Code for the Protection of Tourists
Andorra has become the 25th country to adhere to the International Code for the Protection of Tourists (ICPT).
TUI study: Travel makes you four years younger – Holidays will remain a top priority in 2025
On average, Germans feel 4.2 years younger after their vacation.
Four Seasons Accelerates Growth Strategy Across Hotels, Resorts, Residences and Experiential Journey
The company further elevates its global luxury ecosystem, redefining how guests stay, live and travel, while remaining grounded in genuine and unparalleled service experiences.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Unveils Itineraries in Alaska Aboard Luminara for Summer 2026
The company’s inaugural voyages to the Last Frontier provide exclusive access to the region’s remote, uncharted beauty, offering serene ports, abundant wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and exceptional local cuisine, all complemented by world-cl
Tripadvisor Launches All-New Trendcast Report on the Future of Travel
Trend Predictions Unveiled: From Beauty Voyagers to Nano Neighborhoods.
UN Tourism at FITUR 2025: A Milestone Event for Sector-Wide Cooperation
UN Tourism has returned to the FITUR international trade fair to advance the sector’s shirt towards greater accessibility and growth propelled by investments and innovation.
Radisson Hotel Group concludes record-breaking year with over 300 new signings and openings in 2024
Radisson Hotel Group reported a record-breaking year in 2024 after adding almost 40,000 keys to its global brand portfolio, thereby achieving significant milestones and further strengthening its footprint around the world.
Seabourn Quest Embarks On Maiden Alaska Season
Seabourn, the leader in ultra-luxury cruising and expedition travel, is setting course for an extraordinary 2025 Alaska season as Seabourn Quest makes her maiden arrival to "The Last Frontier."
Lufthansa Group strengthens wet lease partnership with airBaltic
Lufthansa Group has signed an agreement to receive a convertible share representing a 10 per cent stake of the Latvian state airline airBaltic which will be issued at a subscription price of 14 million euros. Additionally, Lufthansa Group will receiv
Hilton Announces Brand Entry In The Netherlands with Dual Branded Signing
Amsterdam is set to welcome the first Home2 Suites by Hilton in the Netherlands, as well as a new Hilton Garden Inn, with both properties expected to open their doors in 2027.
Five New Holland America Line Legendary Voyages Promise Grandeur in 2026-2027
Extended cruises offer in-depth exploration of Bora Bora, Hawaii, Alaska, the Mediterranean and more.
German consumer sentiment expected to weaken in February
Negative trend in income expectations, willingness to buy drives decline, says research firm GfK.
Hampton by Hilton Debuts in Africa with the Opening of Hampton by Hilton Sandton Grayston
Hampton by Hilton, one of Hilton’s (NYSE: HLT) global powerhouse brands, today announced the opening of Hampton by Hilton Sandton Grayston in Johannesburg, South Africa – marking the brand’s 150th property in the EMEA region and debut on the Af
Gender Equality Champion of the Year Award returns to ITB Berlin 2025
The Gender Equality Champion of the Year Award returns to ITB Berlin, honoring outstanding efforts in advancing gender equality within tourism. Applications are open until 27 January.
Cunard invites the public to co-create a ‘Sea of Glamour’ exhibition
Are future generations at risk of losing precious childhood memories? According to new research by luxury British cruise line Cunard, the digital age is creating a generational gap in our collective history.
38 hurt after ‘unexpected aircraft movement’ on United flight
Exact nature of incident remains unclear but video shows Boeing 787-8’s passenger cabin in disarray, with meal trays, food scattered on floor, according to media reports.
FITUR Surpasses Expectations in a Year of Record Numbers
The International Tourism Fair concludes its 45th edition with nearly 255,000 attendees, reaffirming its leadership position thanks to strong corporate support and institutional backing.
Hyatt Announces Plans for the First Alila Branded Resort in Latin America and the Caribbean
Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya will undergo a transformative renovation and debut as the first Alila branded resort in Latin America and the Caribbean in late 2025, offering a luxury sanctuary that serves as a steward of the natural environment a