Iata reports record load factors for airlines in 2025

Aviation reached new records in 2025, with the overall passenger load factor (PLF) rising to 83.6%, up 0.1 percentage point, according to the International Air Transport Association (Iata).

The full-year international load factor was 83.5%, a rise of 0.2 percentage point on 2024 – a record high for international PLF.

The total full-year demand in 2025 – measured in revenue passenger kilometres – rose 5.3% compared to 2024, while total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres was up 5.2%.

International full-year demand in 2025 increased 7.1% compared to 2024, and capacity rose 6.8%.

Willie Walsh, Iata director general, said: “This returns industry growth to align with historical growth patterns after the robust post-Covid rebound.

“The strong and continuous increase in demand puts into sharp focus two key challenges: decarbonisation and supply chain.

“The first, decarbonisation, will protect future long-term growth. Governments whose economies grow because of aviation and whose citizens thirst for connectivity need to provide the supportive fiscal policy framework to rapidly accelerate progress – particularly for the energy sector to grow Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production.

“The second, supply chain challenges, was the biggest headache for airlines in 2025.

“People clearly wanted to travel more, but airlines were continually disappointed with unreliable delivery schedules for new aircraft and engines, maintenance capacity constraints, and resultant cost increases that are estimated to exceed $11 billion.

“Airlines scrambled to accommodate the demand by keeping aircraft in service longer and filling more seats on every flight.

“With load factors just shy of 84%, it’s clear that these measures were an effective band aid, but we need a real solution.

“It’s vital that 2025 proves to be the nadir of the supply chain crisis, and 2026 marks a rebound.

“Every new aircraft means a quieter, cleaner fleet, with more capacity and flight options than at any previous point in history, which is what airlines and their customers want to see.”