ASIA PACIFIC. International airline passenger demand in Asia Pacific surged +30.5% year-on-year in 2024 to reach a combined total of 365 million.
According to preliminary traffic figures from the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA), the strong travel demand was driven by increased flight frequencies and network expansions.
Measured in revenue passenger kilometres, international passenger demand jumped +28%, highlighting sustained demand, particularly on regional routes.
Available seat capacity expanded +26.6% over the year, resulting in a slight +0.9 percentage point rise in the average international passenger load factor to 81.6%.
AAPA Director General Subhas Menon said: “2024 was a strong year for Asia Pacific airlines. The post-pandemic recovery on Northeast Asia routes, helped by the relaxation of visa policies, together with overall healthy demand across the region, drove growth in both leisure and business travel markets.
“This resulted in a +30.5% increase in the number of international passengers carried for the year, reaching a total of 365 million. Consequently, the region’s carriers achieved a record-high international passenger load factor of 81.6% in 2024, amidst capacity constraints stemming from ongoing supply chain shortages and delays in aircraft deliveries.”
Looking ahead, Menon concluded: “The outlook for air travel markets in 2025 remains broadly positive, although growth rates are expected to moderate further. However, airlines continue to face challenges, including rising labour, maintenance and aircraft leasing costs, as well as operational pressures due to ongoing delays in aircraft deliveries.
“To navigate these challenges, airlines are focusing on active cost management and seeking the commitment of equipment suppliers to address supply chain problems, while continuing to invest in growth opportunities.” ✈
