Global aviation continues impressive recovery. Global passenger traffic, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPK), went up 6.6% in October 2025 compared to last year. The rise also marked a significant jump compared to the 4.2% recorded in September. The global load factor or Passenger Load Factor (PLF) reached 84.6%, the highest figure ever recorded for October.
Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific, On Top
According to a report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), all regions worldwide recorded an acceleration in growth, but airlines in the Middle East led the increase, with a 10.5% jump in passenger traffic, thanks in part to improved security in the region compared to last year.
The region was closely followed by Africa with 8.8% and Asia-Pacific with 8.1%.
Europe also showed steady growth of 6.7%, while North America lagged behind with a modest 2.5% increase.
International demand rose 8.5%, outpacing capacity growth, helping to push the load factor to another record 84.6%. Domestic flights saw a 3.4% increase, with Brazil continuing to lead the domestic market with an impressive 12.4% jump in demand.
In a regional breakdown, the data shows that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for more than 40% of global passenger traffic growth in October, driven by increases in flights within the region and in the Europe-Asia and Middle East-Asia flight corridors, which recorded impressive double-digit increases.
Up next, the number of seats booked for December is expected to increase by 4.7%, the highest monthly figure for 2025, ahead of the peak holiday season.
