ASIA PACIFIC. Preliminary April 2025 traffic figures released by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) have highlighted further growth in the international passenger market across the region. The encouraging gains come despite softening global economic conditions.
Asia Pacific airlines collectively carried 31.3 million international passengers in April, a +10.5% year-on-year increase. Demand, as measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), leapt +12.6%, reflecting continued strength in long-haul travel, AAPA noted.
With available seat capacity expanding +11.7% year-on-year, the international passenger load factor rose by 0.7 percentage points to 82.4% for the month.
AAPA Director General Subhas Menon commented, “Asia Pacific airlines carried a total of 127 million international passengers in the first four months of 2025, representing a +12% increase compared to the same period last year. The sustained recovery in international tourist arrivals, bolstered by continued route network expansions, reflects the resilience of travel markets.
“The growth comes despite mounting macroeconomic headwinds, which contributed to a downward revision of the global GDP growth forecast to +2.8% for the year.
“The trade disputes and softening macroeconomic conditions may signal challenging times for air travel in the months ahead. This will place further strain on already thin profit margins in the airline industry.
“Overall, the region’s carriers remain vigilant, actively monitoring market developments and ready to adapt swiftly to evolving conditions.” ✈
