Around the world, passengers frequently become frustrated by flight delays. Even though airlines work hard to keep their schedules on time, several things can interfere with flight operations.
Here is the list of reasons for flight delays:
Poor Weather
One of the main reasons for flight delays is weather. Unfavorable meteorological circumstances, such as hurricanes, strong winds, fog, heavy snow, or thunderstorms, can make it dangerous for aeroplanes to take off or land. For instance, heavy crosswinds can make landing challenging, and dense fog can impair pilot visibility. In severe situations, whole airports can close, causing numerous delays and cancellations.
Congestion in Air Traffic
Airspace and airports are frequently congested, especially in large cities and during the busiest travel times. When air traffic is heavy, Aircraft may have to fly around a circle before landing or takeoff, which could cause flight delays. According to a Eurocontrol study in 2023, the average flight delay was 17.5 minutes.
Technical and Mechanical Problems
Airlines prioritise passenger safety, thus even minor technical problems could result in delays. Aircraft undergo routine maintenance inspections before takeoff, and any issues discovered must be resolved before the aircraft is authorised for flight.
Flight delays may result from a shortage of air traffic controllers, pilots, flight attendants, or ground staff. The number of hours a pilot or crew member may work is limited by severe labor standards that apply to airlines. If a crew member has worked more hours than allowed by law due to previous delays, they may need to be replaced before the flight can proceed. Strikes by airport or airline employees can also interfere with operations and result in major flight delays.
Security Concerns
Increased security can cause delays in flights, particularly at international airports. Security concerns may lead to additional screenings, baggage checks, or even last-minute passenger expulsion. If a security threat is found, several flights may temporarily cease operations.
What do you think is the main reason for flight delays? Let us know in the comment section!
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports that global passenger demand grew by 10% in January 2025 compared to the previous year, marking a strong start to the year. Capacity increased by 7.1%, and the load factor hit a record 82.1% for January.
Key Highlights
International demand rose 12.4%, with Asia-Pacific airlines leading growth at 21.8%.
Domestic demand increased 6.1%, driven by India (+17.1%), Japan (+12.1%), and China (+10.0%).
All regions saw growth, with Asia-Pacific (16.1%) and Africa (15.0%) showing the highest increases.
Latin America was the only region where load factors declined (-1.5 ppt).
IATA’s Willie Walsh attributed the surge to strong market confidence and passenger demand, despite ongoing supply chain challenges. Surveys indicate 94% of travellers plan to maintain or increase travel in 2025, reinforcing positive industry momentum.
Africa set to revolutionise the aviation industry with the Open Skies Treaty making travel more affordable.
The Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) is an initiative that aims to create a unified air transportation market across Africa.
The SAATM is more commonly referred to as the Open Skies Treaty In Africa. It was started in January 2018 by The African Union (AU). The project looks to liberalise the aviation industry in Africa and is a key part of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
The SAATM has recently gained momentum, with 39 nations joining the initiative. A number of goals will be achieved in this African aviation project, including lifting market access restrictions for airlines. Other aims include granting each nation extended air traffic rights, removing restrictions on ownership and liberalising capacity limits and flight frequency.
Speaking at a press conference at the AU Summit, Amani Abou-Zeid, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy of the African Union Commission, spoke of SAATM’s progress.
She said: “I am happy to say that we have 39 nations that have joined a single African air transport market, representing about one billion Africans. “The market aims to reduce the cost and waiting of travellers by almost 20%.”
Abou-Zeid further added how the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) will use renewable sources.
SAF is expected to reduce gas emissions by between 60 and 100% compared to normal jet fuels.
“To position Africa as a leader in the emerging green hydrogen market, the AU has developed a Green Hydrogen Strategy and Action Plan, outlining policy and technical priorities for establishing a competitive green hydrogen sector,” she added. According to the African Development Bank, and other analysts, the SAATM will help to revolutionise the aviation industry by making flights cheaper, increasing economic benefits and having greater passenger volumes.
Despite the expected success of this initiative, some African governments have criticized SAATM.
The Ugandan government believes SAATM could lead to a few major airlines dominating the market and, therefore, stifling competition.
The tourism sector recorded an improved performance last year as a result of growth in the aviation sector and hosting of prominent conferences.
Data from the Economic Survey 2024 shows the number of international visitor arrivals grew by 35.4 percent to 2.086 million in 2023, from 1.5 million in 2022.
Further, the surge in the growth of tourist arrivals saw the sector reach a recovery rate of 102.5 percent compared to 2019, surpassing the global pre-pandemic recovery rate of 88 per cent.
The hotel bed-night occupancy rose by 23.2 per cent to 8.63 million in 2023 of which 53.5 percent were occupied by Kenyans. The trend shows a growing domestic tourism.
The improved performance indicates that the sector is likely to achieve the 2.5 million international visitor arrivals and 6.5 million bed nights’ occupancy by Kenyans as contained in the Third Medium Term Plan, 2018-2022.
The Tourism Research Institute, earlier this year released a report that showed that the tourism sector performance had rebounded strongly by Sh56.34 billion, surpassing the pre-pandemic earnings of Sh296.2 billion recorded in 2019.
The immense recovery has been attributed to the weakening of the Kenya shilling against major global currencies and the effects of inflation locally and internationally also the rebound indicates higher per capita spending by arriving tourists.
Following the impressive sector performance, the tourism report projects that the sector performance will grow to Sh430 billion in 2024.
It also projects hitting up to 1.024 trillion by 2028 indicating a possibility of the country achieving the government’s vision of attracting five million tourists by 2028.
On visitor arrivals, the tourism sector projects receiving 2.4 million tourists in 2024, and up to 5.7 billion visitors by 2028.
Visitor arrivals by point of entry increased by 36.4 per cent through JKIA and Moi International Airport when compared to the rise of 31.9 percent recorded through other border points in 2023.
The economic survey shows that most visitors came for holiday. 934,400 visitors came for holiday, 493,800 came for business, and 101,700 were on transit.
In the same period, the number of departing visitors increased by 36,4 per cent to 1,952,400 in 2023 to 1,431,800 in 2022. The hotel bed nights’ occupancy by residents of Europe more than doubled to 1,970,000 in 2023. This was attributed to notable growth in bed-night occupancy by residents of Germany, Italy and UK in 2023.
Kenyan residents accounted for more than half of total bed-night occupancy in 2023, highlighting the significance of domestic tourism.
Further, the hotel bed-night capacity grew by 8.4 percent in 2023, partly attributed to new hotels and the expansion of some of the existing ones.
With the recent spate of air accidents, travellers may feel less confident. But is flying really becoming unsafe?
2024 has fanned the flames of worries over flying, particularly in recent weeks, when more than 200 people lost their lives in two separate incidents just days apart.
Thirty-eight people died when an Azerbaijan Airlines plane crashed in Kazakhstan; four days later, 179 perished when a Jeju Air flight crash landed in South Korea.
While recent events are still ringing in the minds of many, 2024 was a year of disasters in aviation. In early January, a fiery crash in Tokyo shocked the world, leaving five members of the Japan Coast Guard dead, although passengers on the Japan Airlines plane escaped safely.
Days later, part of a plane fell off when it was departing from Portland, Oregon, leaving a gaping hole in the side of the fuselage. Again, all 177 passengers survived the emergency landing, but the fallout from the event has seen major manufacturer Boeing in the spotlight all year.
During the summer the tragic loss of a Voepass flight in Brazil claimed the lives of 62 passengers and crew.
On top of this, multiple reports of aircraft hitting severe turbulence and injuring people, including one fatality on a Singapore Airlines flight, have given travellers cause to worry about their safety.
According to the Aviation Safety Network, a total of 318 people died in aircraft accidents last year, making 2024 the deadliest year in aviation since 2018.
But is flying really becoming less safe, and should we be worried if we’ve got an upcoming trip booked?
Flying is getting safer all the time
Dr Hassan Shahidi, president and CEO of Flight Safety Foundation, a non-profit involved in all aspects of aviation safety, put things in perspective for Euronews Travel.
“In all of 2023, there were zero commercial jet fatalities,” he says. “By the time 2024 was over, the aviation industry had transported 5 billion passengers worldwide. And until just the past few days, 2024 was poised to repeat that safety record.”
According to research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), flying is safer today than ever.
In the 2018-2022 period, the risk of dying through air travel was calculated to be 1 per every 13.7 million passenger boardings. That’s down from 1 per 7.9 million boardings in 2008-2017 and a major decrease from the 1 per every 350,000 boardings in 1968 to 1977.
The gaping hole where the panelled-over door had been at the fuselage plug area of the Alaska Airlines flight from Portland.AP/National Transportation Safety Board,
Research from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Academy has shown that up to 80 per cent of aviation accidents can be attributed to human error. A mistake on the pilots’ part is thought to account for 53 per cent of accidents, while mechanical failure was considered to be at fault in just 21 per cent of cases.
Airbus studied which part of the flight was most dangerous, and found that takeoff and landing were when accidents were most likely to occur. Both of the two December 2024 crashes happened when landing, although other factors were in play.
In the Jeju Air crash, for example, there were reports of an engine being damaged after hitting a bird, and the aircraft, for an as yet unknown reason, did not have its landing gear deployed when it touched down. The investigation will be long and complex, and it’s likely to be some time before we understand exactly what happened.
“This accident involved a multitude of factors, from bird strikes to landing without landing gear and flaps,” Shahidi adds. “All of this will be thoroughly investigated, contributing factors will be determined and steps will be taken to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”
Jeju Air has been inspecting its fleet of 737 ‘next generation’ (NG) aircraft, but out of an abundance of caution. Nothing so far suggests that there is a more widespread problem with the aircraft type.
Airlines are advised to avoid warzones
The Azerbaijan Airlines crash was something a little different. Although investigations are ongoing, initial assessments suggest the aircraft may have been hit by Russian air defences, causing it to depressurise and lose control.
That assessment will bring to mind a similar situation from a decade ago. In July 2014, a Malaysia Airlines plane was shot down by Russian-backed forces using a surface-to-air missile while it was flying over eastern Ukraine. All 283 passengers and 16 crew members died.
The investigation recommended states involved in armed conflicts close their airspace, and that operators should thoroughly assess risk when routes pass over areas of conflict.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) publishes Conflict Zone Information Bulletins to caution air operators about potential safety threats.
However, as Janet Northcote, spokesperson for EASA, explains to Euronews Travel, “EASA does not close airspace or have the right to mandate the avoidance of airspace. But the information provided here flows into the individual airline’s own safety assessments and creates awareness of any aviation safety threat.”
So why was Azerbaijan Airlines flying over a conflict zone? Although many Western airlines have ceased operations to and over Russian airspace, numerous Middle Eastern and Asian airlines continue to operate in that area.
Carriers from Turkey, China, the UAE and other nations are not avoiding the airspace, despite the risk.
“Air travel in known conflict zones has significant risk,” Shaihid says. “Airlines must carry out risk assessment for their routes to ensure that the risks are mitigated and take an alternate route.”
Nonetheless, no European airline currently flies to Russia or through its airspace, having heeded the advice of EASA and other agencies.
Every air accident makes air travel safer
The small silver lining in the terrible year aviation has experienced is that every accident serves to make air travel safer in the future.
As Simon Calder, travel correspondent for the UK’s Independent newspaper wrote in a recent column, “All the dramatic aviation events of 2024 – fatal and otherwise – will be analysed minutely to understand what can be learnt to enhance future safety.”
In the case of both the Jeju Air and Azerbaijan Airlines crashes, the infamous ‘black boxes’ have been recovered and sent for interrogation.
These two boxes, which are actually bright orange in colour, are the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and should shed some light on what happened prior to the crash.
Accident investigators are on the ground in Kazakhstan and South Korea gathering more evidence, a process that could take some time. Following this, collected data will be analysed in a lab to determine the cause of the crash.
A preliminary report will likely be made public in the coming weeks, although the final report will take longer.
From these reports, various recommendations will be made to avoid a similar situation in the future.
Experts from the US National Transportation Safety Board and joint investigation team between the US and South Korea check the site of Sunday’s plane crash.Son Hyung-joo/Yonhap via AP
“One of the strengths of aviation safety processes is that whenever any tragedy does occur, we analyse what happened and take appropriate action to ensure, to the extent possible, that the same type of accident will not occur again,” explains Northcote.
Consider any major aviation accident, and it’s possible to see the longer-term positive effect it has had on air safety.
A collision over the Grand Canyon in June 1956, for example, between a TWA Super Constellation and a United Airlines DC-7 led to upgraded forms of air traffic control.
After TWA Flight 800 exploded in mid-air in 1996, modifications were made to ensure fuel could not be combusted by an errant spark.
Without the tragedy of 9/11, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) would never have been created. And thanks to the (still) missing Malaysia Airlines MH370, all aircraft are now tracked in real-time.
“This constant cycle of improvement is fundamental to keeping the aviation safety record strong,” says Northcote.
“We work with other regulators, for example the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States and with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), to ensure that aviation safety standards are high globally, not only in Europe.”
While manufacturers, airlines and regulators work hard to maintain safety in the skies, Northcote highlights that safe travel is a team effort.
“Aviation has in general an excellent safety record, but this is no cause for complacency,” she says. “This strong safety record can only be maintained by many individual people fulfilling their role every day to ensure that operations are safe.”
Passenger service standards are pivotal in shaping customer satisfaction within the commercial aviation sector
Global passenger traffic is expected to continue to grow strongly. Accommodating this growth is a major challenge for the air transport industry and governments. It will require new standards, harmonized regulations and adequate infrastructure. In collaboration with its members, international organizations and states, IATA develops standards aimed at simplifying the passenger process towards a more seamless, inclusive and secure passenger experience while improving efficiency and lowering industry costs.
“The clear message from travelers is that they expect to board their planes faster with technology and smarter processes beginning well before they reach the airport. And the good news is that we are making this happen. Already travelers can arrive at the airport ready to fly with admissibility checks completed. And biometrics and digital identity can deliver a paperless experience once at the airport. That’s great for passengers,” says an IATA official. Moe importantly, the greater efficiency will help airport infrastructure to better cope with the growth in passenger numbers, helping to make the business case for adopting these new technologies and processes even more compelling
Passenger service standards (PSS) are pivotal in shaping customer satisfaction within the commercial aviation sector. High service standards lead to positive passenger experiences, fostering loyalty and enhanced brand reputation. When airlines meet or exceed these standards, customers are more likely to choose them for future travel.
Key elements contributing to customer satisfaction include safety, comfort, and ease of access to services. Timeliness in service delivery, courteous staff interactions, and attention to passenger needs all play significant roles. Therefore, adherence to these standards must be prioritized. Satisfaction is not solely derived from meeting basic expectations but also from providing exceptional experiences. Airlines that consistently uphold high PSSs can differentiate themselves in a competitive market. This differentiation can translate into repeat business and favorable reviews. Ultimately, the alignment of PSS with customer expectations results in a stronger competitive advantage. Satisfied customers are more inclined to recommend airlines to others, further enhancing the reputation and success of the airline industry.
Maintaining high passenger service standards in commercial aircraft presents various significant challenges. Economic downturns often compel airlines to implement cost-cutting measures that directly affect service quality. Reduced staffing levels can result in increased workloads for remaining employees, leading to potential lapses in passenger service. In addition, the rising volume of passengers exacerbates these challenges. As airlines accommodate more travelers, the strain on resources escalates, making it increasingly difficult to provide personalized attention and adequate support during flights. Long wait times and insufficient communication can compromise the overall travel experience.
Consequently, the balance between maintaining high PSS and managing operational constraints requires constant attention. Airlines must continuously adapt and find innovative solutions to meet passenger expectations while remaining financially viable. A significant increase in passenger numbers can lead to congestion at airports and within aircraft. This often results in longer wait times for check-in, security, and boarding processes. Consequently, airlines face pressure to streamline these operations to enhance efficiency while still providing exceptional service to each passenger. Furthermore, increased passenger volume may strain onboard services such as catering, entertainment options, and cabin crew availability. Airlines must invest in resources and training to ensure that staff is well-equipped to handle a larger number of passengers. Adapting to this shift is essential for airlines aiming to uphold their passenger service standards amid growing demand.
Additionally, the rise in passenger volume can intensify competition among airlines, prompting them to differentiate their services. Innovations and improved service offerings become vital for attracting and retaining customers, making it imperative for airlines to continuously evaluate and elevate their passenger service standards. Innovations enhancing passenger service standards are transforming the commercial aviation landscape. One notable area of advancement is technology integration, which facilitates smoother check-in processes, reducing wait times and enhancing overall passenger convenience. Mobile boarding passes and self-service kiosks empower travelers to manage their journeys more independently. Passenger service standards encompass a set of criteria that airlines implement to enhance the passenger experience from booking to arrival.
Moving forward, airlines must prioritize these standards to adapt to evolving customer expectations and maintain competitiveness in the aviation industry. The future of PSS will likely be shaped by innovations and regulatory advancements, ensuring that airlines adapt to changing passenger expectations while prioritizing safety and comfort. Continuous improvement in service delivery will be essential for success in this dynamic environment. Transformation, industry success and sustainability can only be achieved through collaborative efforts. IATA is working to develop and nurture partnerships to strengthen the end-to-end passenger experience by engaging airlines, governments, industry associations and strategic partners at global, regional and local levels, to identify common objectives, and areas to start or bolster existing collaborations.
The year 2024 has been a landmark year for the airline industry, marked by a mix of challenges and triumphs that have shaped the trajectory of global air travel. As the sector rebounds from the turbulence of the pandemic years, new innovations and persistent obstacles continue to define its path forward. Here, we explore the highs and lows of the airline industry in 2024 and offer a glimpse into what 2025 may hold for travelers and stakeholders alike.
The Trials of 2024:
Operational Challenges
Pilot Shortages: Despite aggressive hiring campaigns, the industry has struggled to address the lingering pilot shortage exacerbated by mass retirements during the pandemic. Training pipelines, although robust, have been unable to keep pace with demand, leading to operational disruptions.
Rising Fuel Costs: Geopolitical tensions and supply chain issues pushed jet fuel prices to new heights, squeezing airline profit margins and prompting fare hikes that tested consumer patience.
Regulatory Pressures
Governments around the world intensified their focus on environmental regulations. The European Union’s Fit for 55 initiative, which targets a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, placed additional costs on carriers operating within its jurisdiction.
Noise pollution regulations in urban hubs like New York and London further complicated flight scheduling and airport operations.
Consumer Confidence and Economic Headwinds
Inflation and economic uncertainty impacted discretionary spending, causing fluctuations in demand for leisure travel. While business travel saw a modest recovery, hybrid work models continued to limit its full resurgence.
The Jubilations of 2024:
Technological Innovations
Sustainable Aviation: The successful rollout of electric regional jets on select routes marked a significant milestone. Airlines like United and EasyJet began operating hybrid-electric aircraft, reducing carbon emissions and proving the viability of sustainable aviation technology.
Supersonic Travel Revival: Boom Supersonic’s Overture aircraft achieved its first successful commercial test flight in early 2024, reigniting dreams of supersonic passenger travel and promising unprecedented connectivity for the global elite.
Passenger Experience Improvements
Airlines invested heavily in improving passenger experiences, with ultra-modern cabins featuring customizable spaces and improved in-flight connectivity becoming the norm.
Innovations like biometric boarding streamlined airport experiences, significantly reducing wait times and enhancing convenience.
Market Growth
Asia-Pacific emerged as the fastest-growing region for air travel, driven by rising middle-class incomes and a boom in intra-regional tourism. Budget carriers like AirAsia capitalized on this growth, expanding routes and increasing frequency.
Looking Ahead: Prospects for 2025:
As 2025 approaches, the airline industry stands at the cusp of transformative change:
Green Horizons
The industry is expected to make strides in meeting sustainability goals. The adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is likely to expand, supported by government subsidies and increased production capacity.
Hydrogen-powered aircraft are slated for advanced testing phases, signaling a potential revolution in long-haul travel by the 2030s.
AI Integration
Artificial intelligence will play a larger role in predictive maintenance, route optimization, and customer service, enabling airlines to operate more efficiently and deliver tailored experiences.
Economic Recovery and Travel Boom
Analysts predict a strong rebound in leisure travel as global economies stabilize. Mega-events like the Paris 2025 World Expo and the Cricket World Cup in India are expected to drive significant international traffic.
Challenges to Watch
While innovation promises to reshape the industry, challenges such as cyber-security threats, geopolitical uncertainties, and continued workforce shortages remain pertinent.
2024 has been a year of resilience and adaptation for the airline industry. Its ability to navigate complex challenges while embracing technological advancements underscores its enduring relevance in a rapidly changing world. As we look to 2025, the promise of sustainable aviation, enhanced passenger experiences, and robust market growth inspires optimism. For travelers and industry players alike, the skies ahead are filled with opportunity.
Even though Africa represents a small portion of the global air market, it’s a vital link connecting regions like Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The Cairo–Jeddah route claims the top spot with over 5.4 million scheduled seats.
Top 10 busiest international flight routes from Africa in 2024
Africa’s aviation industry is growing fast, thanks to the rising need for better connections both within the continent and to the rest of the world. Even though Africa represents a small portion of the global air market, it’s a vital link connecting regions like Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
A big part of this growth comes from booming trade, business, and tourism. Some routes have now become extremely busy, reflecting just how connected Africa has become.
According to OAG Aviation’s 2024 Busiest Flight Routes Report, the Cairo–Jeddah route claims the top spot with over 5.4 million scheduled seats. Close behind is the Cairo–Riyadh route, which serves more than 3.1 million seats.
Similarly, the Cairo–Riyadh route follows closely, serving 3,151,116 seats. These routes exemplify Africa’s ability to connect major travel hubs across the Middle East and beyond.
Top 10 busiest international flight routes from Africa in 2024
These routes highlight Africa’s role as a bridge between major hubs in the Middle East and beyond. The report defines “busiest routes” as those with the most airline seats available in both directions, with data compiled from OAG’s monthly reports throughout the year. This provides a comprehensive view of route performance and emerging trends in international aviation.
Airlines like Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, EgyptAir, and South African Airways dominate these busy routes. Ethiopian Airlines, for example, has turned Addis Ababa into a top hub, connecting Africa to the rest of the world.
Below are the top 10 busiest international flight routes from Africa in 2024:
Rank
Route
Route Name
Seats
1
CAI-JED
Cairo – Jeddah
5,469,274
2
CAI-RUH
Cairo – Riyadh
3,151,116
3
CAI-DXB
Cairo – Dubai
1,919,742
4
CAI-MED
Cairo – Madinah
1,844,795
5
CAI-KWI
Cairo – Kuwait
1,709,668
6
ALG-CDG
Algiers – Paris CDG
1,393,359
7
ADD-DXB
Addis Ababa – Dubai
1,177,914
8
ORY-RUN
Paris Orly – St Denis
1,085,706
9
CAI-DOH
Cairo – Doha
1,044,048
10
ALG-ORY
Algiers – Paris Orly
1,021,577
Africa’s growing middle class and improved tourism infrastructure are driving even more demand for air travel. But it’s not all smooth sailing. The sector still faces challenges like high fuel prices, limited intercontinental flights, and tricky regulatory hurdles.
High fuel costs, limited intercontinental routes, and regulatory barriers pose hurdles to seamless growth.
The potential is huge, Africa’s skies are getting busier, and the continent is on its way to becoming a major player in international air travel.
Geneva – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for October 2024 global passenger demand with the following highlights:
Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 7.1% compared to October 2023. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 6.1% year-on-year. The October load factor was 83.9% (+0.8ppt compared to October 2023).
International demand rose 9.5% compared to October 2023. Capacity was up 8.6% year-on-year and the load factor rose to 83.5% (+0.6ppt compared to October 2023).
Domestic demand rose 3.5% compared to October 2023. Capacity was up 2.0% year-on-year and the load factor was 84.5% (+1.2ppt compared to October 2023).
“Continued strong and stable demand is good news, but just as important is the steady improvement in load factors. It shows what a great job the industry is doing in flying people more efficiently.
Average seat factors have risen from around 67% in the 1990’s to over 83% today. Politicians thinking of trying to tax passengers off planes to reduce emissions would do well to note this. Even if fewer people fly because taxes make it too expensive, it doesn’t automatically mean reduced emissions because the planes will still fly, just with fewer passengers. That would reverse decades hard won progress. We need to see the planes full to generate the economic and social benefits of travel with the most minimal emissions possible,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
Air Passenger Market in Detail
October 2024 (% year-on-year)
World Share1
RPK
ASK
PLF(%-PT)2
PLF(Level)3
Total Market
100%
7.1%
6.1%
+0.8%
83.9%
Africa
2.1%
9.3%
5.2%
+2.8%
73.8%
Asia Pacific
31.7%
12.7%
9.7%
+2.2%
84.1%
Europe
27.1%
7.9%
6.5%
+1.1%
86.2%
Latin America
5.5%
7.0%
7.5%
-0.4%
84.5%
Middle East
9.4%
2.5%
2.7%
-0.1%
80.3%
North America
24.2%
0.3%
1.6%
-1.1%
83.2%
1) % of industry RPKs in 2023 2) Year-on-year change in load factor 3) Load Factor Level
Regional Breakdown – International Passenger Markets
All regions showed growth for international passenger markets in October 2024 compared to October 2023. Europe had the highest load factors, and Africa showed a sharp increase, but the Americas and the Middle East suffered falls.
Asia-Pacific airlines achieved a 17.5% year-on-year increase indemand. Capacity increased 17.2% year-on-year and the load factor was 82.9% (+0.3ppt compared to October 2023).
European carriers had an 8.7% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 7.3% year-on-year, and the load factor was 85.7% (+1.1ppt compared to October 2023).
Middle Eastern carriers saw a 2.2% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 2.5% year-on-year and the load factor was 80.2% (-0.2ppt compared to October 2023).
North American carriers saw a 3.2% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 2.9% year-on-year, and the load factor was 84.2% (+0.3ppt compared to October 2023).
Latin American airlines saw a 10.9% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity climbed 11.6% year-on-year. The load factor was 85.3% (-0.6ppt compared to October 2023).
African airlines saw a 10.4% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 5.3% year-on-year. The load factor rose to 73.2% (+3.4ppt compared to October 2023).
Domestic Passenger Markets
The US showed a surprise slight decline, while all other key domestic markets showed stable growth. Fast-growing Chinese domestic demand is being met with increased use of wide-body aircraft.
October 2024 (% year-on-year)
World Share1
RPK
ASK
PLF(%-PT)2
PLF(LEVEL)3
Domestic
39.9%
3.5%
2.0%
+1.2%
84.5%
Domestic Australia
0.8%
2.9%
-0.5%
+2.8%
86.2%
Domestic Brazil
1.2%
9.5%
7.8%
+1.3%
83.7%
Domestic China P.R.
11.2%
9.7%
2.2%
+5.9%
86.2%
Domestic India
1.8%
6.1%
9.6%
-2.7%
81.7%
Domestic Japan
1.1%
3.3%
-0.2%
+2.9%
84.0%
Domestic US
15.4%
-1.2%
0.8%
-1.7%
82.5%
1) % of industry RPKs in 2023 2) year-on-year change in load factor 3) Load Factor Level
Note: the six domestic passenger markets for which broken-down data are available account for approximately 31.4% of global total RPKs and 78.8% of total domestic RPKs.
Statistics compiled by IATA Economics using direct airline reporting complemented by estimates, including the use of FlightRadar24 data provided under license.
All figures are provisional and represent total reporting at time of publication plus estimates for missing data. Historic figures are subject to revision.
Domestic RPKs accounted for about 41.9% of the total market in 2022. The six domestic markets in this report account for 31.3% of global RPKs.
Explanation of measurement terms:
– RPK: Revenue Passenger Kilometers measures actual passenger traffic
– ASK: Available Seat Kilometers measures available passenger capacity
– PLF: Passenger Load Factor is % of ASKs used.
IATA statistics cover international and domestic scheduled air traffic for IATA member and non-member airlines.
Total passenger traffic market shares by region of carriers for 2023 in terms of RPK are: Asia-Pacific 31.7%, Europe 27.1%, North America 24.2%, Middle East 9.4%, Latin America 5.5%, and Africa 2.1%.
NAIROBI, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) — The Kenyan government on Monday rolled out reforms at the main airport Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), located in the capital city of Nairobi, to enhance passenger traffic.
John Mbadi, cabinet secretary in the Ministry of National Treasury and Economic Planning, said in a statement issued in Nairobi that the reforms will deliver seamless, efficient, and respectful services to customers departing and arriving in the country through the facility.
“The goal is to reduce waiting time, minimize any inconveniences, and strengthen Kenya’s reputation as a welcoming destination,” Mbadi said.
He said the government has prioritized advanced technological solutions in the reforms to streamline customs and immigration processes to minimize paperwork.
He added that the initiative will provide travelers with clear information on customs duties and taxes, therefore, promoting transparency.
Mbadi noted that the measures would help position JKIA as a world-class gateway to Kenya and a leading aviation hub.
JKIA is one of Kenya’s three main entry points, with the other two being Moi International Airport located in the coastal city of Mombasa and another in the lakeside city of Kisumu in western Kenya.
Most of Kenya’s tourists arrived through JKIA, while the rest entered the country via the Moi airport.
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, in the first quarter of 2024, Kenya received 409,164 tourists through the two airports, with 343,555 using JKIA.
