Global Passenger and Cargo Traffic Growth Slows in September 2025
Global air traffic experienced a 3.6% year-on-year increase in September 2025, while cargo grew by 2.9%. Both sectors exhibited slower growth, indicating moderated demand near the end of the year, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Passenger Traffic Trends
Passenger traffic, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPK), rose 3.6% compared to September 2024, down from 4.6% in August. The Passenger Load Factor (PLF) for the industry was 83.4%, slightly below 83.5% recorded last year.
- All regions reported weaker passenger growth.
- North American carriers experienced a 0.1% year-on-year decline.
- Domestic air travel grew by only 0.9% year-on-year, with declines in the United States and India.
- International passenger traffic increased by 5.1%, led by Asia-Pacific airlines at 7.4% growth.
Flight schedules are expected to expand by 3.0% year-on-year in November, suggesting continued but slower activity in the last quarter of 2025.
Cargo Market Developments
The cargo segment maintained growth but showed signs of further slowdown. Global air freight demand, measured in Cargo Tonne-Kilometers (CTK), rose by 2.9% year-on-year, down 1.1 percentage points from August’s rise.
- International cargo increased by 3.2%.
- Africa led international growth at 14.7%.
- Asia-Pacific region also saw significant cargo growth at 6.9%.
“Global air transport activity showed moderated growth in September 2025, signaling a slowdown in both passenger and cargo markets after months of steady expansion,” stated IATA.
Author’s summary: September 2025 saw a notable slowdown in global passenger and cargo air traffic growth, reflecting moderated demand and weaker regional performance as the year nears its end.