The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said global passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs), went up 13.8 percent year-on-year in March 2024.
Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), rose 12.3 percent year-on-year. The March load factor was 82.0 percent.
“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 IATA director-general Willie Walsh.
“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 of bearing the cost when delays and cancellations are the result of poor preparation in other parts of the value chain,” said Walsh.