Global Passenger, Cargo Traffic Growth Slows in September: IATA
In September 2025, global air traffic increased by 3.6% year-on-year (YoY), while cargo traffic grew by 2.9%, indicating a slowdown in growth momentum for both sectors at the end of the year, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Passenger Traffic Trends
Passenger traffic, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPK), grew 3.6% YoY, down from 4.6% in August. The overall Passenger Load Factor (PLF) for the industry was 83.4%, slightly less than the 83.5% reported a year ago.
- All regions experienced weaker growth.
- North American carriers saw a 0.1% YoY decline.
- Domestic air travel growth slowed to 0.9% YoY, with declines in the United States and India.
- International passenger traffic rose 5.1% YoY, led by Asia-Pacific airlines at 7.4% growth.
Capacity expansion remained stable, with flight schedules forecasted to grow by 3.0% YoY in November, pointing to continued but moderated activity going into the year's final quarter.
Cargo Traffic Developments
The cargo sector maintained growth yet at a slower pace. Global air freight demand, measured in Cargo Tonne-Kilometers (CTK), increased 2.9% YoY, which is 1.1 percentage points lower than August's rate.
- International CTK rose 3.2% YoY.
- Africa led cargo growth with a 14.7% increase.
- Asia-Pacific followed with a 6.9% increase.
Global air transport activity showed moderated growth in September 2025, signaling a slowdown in both passenger and cargo markets after months of steady expansion, according to IATA.
Author's Summary: Global air passenger and cargo traffic growth slowed in September 2025, reflecting a broader moderation in demand as the year approaches its final quarter.