India’s domestic flights have recorded a passenger load factor of 86.4% in 2024, to forge ahead of the US and China which figure at the second and third spot respectively, according to the latest report of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). 

India’s fast growing aviation sector has carried 16.3 crore passengers on domestic flights during 2024, according to figures compiled by the country’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

India achieved a passenger load factor of 86.4%, the highest among all domestic markets, the IATA report states.

The corresponding figure for the US was 84.1% and China (83.2%). Brazil with a passenger load factor of 81.9% was placed at the 4th rank followed closely by Australia (81.8%) and Japan (78%).

Globally both domestic and international full-year demand reached record highs for passenger numbers and load factors.

The international full-year traffic in 2024 increased 13.6% compared to 2023, and capacity rose 12.8%.

The total full-year traffic in 2024 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 10.4% compared to 2023.

This was 3.8% above pre-pandemic (2019) levels.

Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 8.7% in 2024.

The overall load factor reached 83.5%, a record for full-year traffic, according to the IATA report.

It also points out that December 2024 was a strong finish to the year with overall demand rising 8.6% year-on-year, and capacity grew by 5.6%.

International demand rose by 10.6% and domestic demand by 5.5%.

The December load factor reached 84%, which is a record for the month.

“2024 made it absolutely clear that people want to travel. With 10.4% demand growth, travel reached record numbers domestically and internationally. Airlines met that strong demand with record efficiency.

“On average, 83.5% of all seats on offer were filled — a new record high, partially attributable to the supply chain constraints that limited capacity growth.

“Aviation growth reverberates across societies and economies at all levels through jobs, market development, trade, innovation, exploration, and much more,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

“Looking to 2025, there is every indication that demand for travel will continue to grow, albeit at a moderated pace of 8.0% that is more aligned with historical averages.

“The desire to partake in the freedom that flying makes possible brings some challenges into sharp focus,” he observed.

In this context Walsh said, “The tragic accident in Washington last night reminds us that safety needs our continuous efforts. Our thoughts are with all those affected. We will never cease our work to make aviation ever safer.”

(This story was taken from a syndicated feed and was only edited for style by Gujarat Samachar Digital team)