Global Passenger, Cargo Traffic Growth Slows in September: IATA
Global air traffic increased by 3.6% year-on-year in September 2025, while air cargo grew by 2.9%, reflecting a moderation in demand across both markets, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Passenger Trends
Passenger traffic, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPK), rose by 3.6% compared to September 2024, down from 4.6% in August. The industry-wide Passenger Load Factor (PLF) reached 83.4%, slightly below the previous year’s 83.5%.
- All global regions experienced slower growth.
- North American airlines recorded a 0.1% year-on-year decline.
- Domestic travel growth eased to 0.9%, with both the United States and India seeing lower RPK.
- International passenger traffic rose 5.1%, led by Asia-Pacific carriers with a 7.4% increase.
Industry capacity remained stable, and November schedules are projected to expand by 3.0% year-on-year, suggesting activity continues but at a restrained pace entering the year’s final quarter.
Cargo Market Performance
The cargo market maintained growth but showed clearer signs of cooling. Global freight demand, measured in Cargo Tonne-Kilometers (CTK), increased by 2.9% year-on-year — 1.1 percentage points below August’s rate.
- International CTK rose by 3.2%.
- Africa led regional growth at 14.7%.
- Asia-Pacific followed with a 6.9% increase in freight traffic.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) noted that global air transport in September indicated “a measured slowdown after a period of sustained expansion.”
Author’s Summary
Global air travel and freight continued to expand modestly in September 2025, though both markets show clear signs of cooling as the year approaches its end.