Global air traffic reached a new record high level during the summer 2025 season, according to the latest monthly report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

IATA said that airline traffic, as measured by revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs), increased by 4.6 per cent year-on-year in August, while capacity rose by 4.5 per cent for the month, as measured by available seat kilometres (ASKs).

This also helped airlines to fill more seats during the month as the industry achieved a record-setting average load factor of 86 per cent in August.

The increase in traffic in August was fuelled by international travel, with demand up by 6.6 per cent year-on-year, while domestic flights only saw a 1.5 per cent increase in RPKs.

Willie Walsh, IATA¡¯s director general, hailed the ¡°new record high¡± for a northern hemisphere summer season.

¡°Despite economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, the global growth trend shows no signs of abating, as October schedules are showing airlines planning 3.4 per cent more capacity,¡± said Walsh.

¡°Airlines are doing their best to meet travel demand by maximising efficiency, making it even more critical for the aerospace manufacturing sector to sort out its supply chain challenges.¡±

On a regional basis, Europe saw traffic rise by 4.2 per cent in August, matching a 4.2 per cent uptick in capacity. This allowed carriers to achieve a load factor of 87.9 per cent for the month.

European-based airlines performed even better during August, with monthly demand up by 5.3 per cent year-on-year on the back of a 5.3 per cent rise in capacity.

In a separate report, Airports Council International (ACI) World said that global air travel was set to reach 9.8 billion passengers this year, which would be a 3.7 per cent increase compared with 2024 when traffic reached 9.4 million travellers.

The European market is forecast to reach 2.5 billion passengers this year, up by 3.6 per cent year-on-year, with international flights ¡°leading growth¡±. Europe is the second largest regional market after Asia-Pacific, which is set to cater for 3.6 billion passengers this year.

ACI World¡¯s director general?Justin Erbacci said?the figures ¡°underscored aviation¡¯s role as a driver of global mobility and economic growth¡±.

¡°International travel remains the main engine of growth, but regional variations reflect a mix of structural strengths, policy challenges and evolving travel pattern,¡± added Erbacci.

¡°To sustain air travel demand globally, regulators must foster policies and frameworks that enable improved connectivity, long-term resilience and sustainable growth.¡±