IATA data for global passenger demand for March shows that total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs), was up 13.8% compared with March 2023.

Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), was up 12.3% year-on-year. The March load factor was 82% (a one percentage point increase compared with March 2023). 

International demand rose 18.9% compared with March 2023; capacity was up 18.8% year-on-year and the load factor improved to 81.6% (an increase of 0.1 percentage points on March 2023). 

Domestic demand rose 6.6% compared with March 2023; capacity was up 3.4% year-on-year and the load factor was 82.6% (up 2.5 percentage points).

African airlines saw an 8.1% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 11% year-on-year, and the load factor fell to 70.3% (a drop of 1.9 percentage points).

“Demand for travel is strong. And there is every indication that this should continue into the peak Northern summer travel season. It is critical that we have the capacity to meet this demand and ensure a hassle-free travel experience for passengers,” said Willie Walsh, IATA Director General.

“That means making urgent progress to resolve supply chain issues and for airports and air traffic management to be fully staffed and operating at maximum efficiency. While airlines are prepared for customer care and assistance when operational issues arise, they are fed-up with bearing the cost when delays and cancellations are the result of poor preparation in other parts of the value chain.”