Air Passenger Numbers to Top 5 Billion for the First Time in 2025, IATA Says
Air passenger numbers are expected to reach 5.2 billion in 2025, a 6.7% rise compared to 2024, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The sector’s revenues are also forecast to break the trillion-dollar barrier, reaching $1.007 trillion in 2025, a 4.4% increase from 2024.
IATA’s chief economist, Marie Owens Thomsen, hailed the anticipated financial performance as “absolutely worth popping the champagne” following the post-pandemic rebound. However, IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh, expressed frustration over delays to aircraft and engine suppliers, which he claims are failing to meet their commitments.
The association stated that 1,254 aircraft were delivered to airlines in 2024, 30% fewer than predicted, resulting in a backlog of 17,000 undelivered planes. This has forced airlines to run older, less efficient planes, which is “frustrating every airline with a triple whammy on revenues, costs, and environmental performance.”
Despite these challenges, IATA expects airline profits to reach $36.6 billion in 2025. The association is also optimistic that fuel costs will ease next year, with the cost of jet fuel averaging $87 a barrel, down from $99 in 2024. Lower oil prices and resulting fuel costs are a major driver of improved prospects for airlines in 2025, according to IATA. However, the association warned that uncertainties surrounding the incoming administration of US president-elect Donald Trump could affect the outlook, particularly if he imposes heavy tariffs on some imports that could hit demand for air cargo.
