Global Passenger and Cargo Traffic Growth Slows in September: IATA
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global air transport activity experienced moderated growth in September 2025, indicating a slowdown in both passenger and cargo markets after months of steady expansion.
Passenger Traffic Overview
Passenger traffic, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPK), grew by 3.6% year-on-year in September, down from 4.6% in August. The Passenger Load Factor (PLF) for the industry was 83.4%, slightly below the 83.5% recorded in the same month last year.
- All regions reported slower growth.
- North American carriers experienced a slight 0.1% decline in year-on-year traffic.
- Domestic air travel growth slowed to 0.9%, with declines in the United States and India.
- International passenger traffic rose by 5.1%, led by Asia-Pacific airlines with a 7.4% increase.
Capacity and Flight Schedules
Capacity expansion remained steady, with flight schedules projected to increase by 3.0% year-on-year in November. This suggests continued but moderated activity heading into the final quarter of 2025.
Cargo Traffic Trends
In the cargo segment, growth persisted but showed signs of slowing down. Global air freight demand, measured in Cargo Tonne-Kilometers (CTK), increased by 2.9% year-on-year, which is 1.1 percentage points lower than August’s growth.
- International CTK rose by 3.2%.
- Africa led cargo growth with a 14.7% increase.
- Asia-Pacific followed with a 6.9% growth in cargo demand.
"Global air transport activity showed moderated growth in September 2025, signaling a slowdown in both passenger and cargo markets after months of steady expansion." – IATA
Summary: Global air travel and cargo growth slowed in September 2025, reflecting moderated demand across regions, with Asia-Pacific leading international passenger and cargo increases.