Asia Pacific airlines record solid traffic growth in both pax and cargo for 2024

Airlines in the Asia Pacific region recorded a solid traffic growth for the year 2024. 

This is based on preliminary traffic figures for the full calendar year 2024, released by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA). 

The numbers showed strong growth in both international air passenger and cargo markets, brought by increase in flight frequencies, and a robust e-commerce landscape. AAPA also said that disruptions to maritime shipping led to higher volumes in air cargo.

In total, Asia Pacific airlines carried a combined total of 365 million international passengers in 2024, a 30.5% increase from 2023.

Demand measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) increased by 28.0%, reflecting relative strength on regional routes. After accounting for a 26.6% expansion in available seat capacity, the average international passenger load factor rose 0.9 % higher to 81.6% for the year.

International air cargo growth, meanwhile, showed healthy growth in 2024 after two years in decline. Demand measured in freight ton kilometers (FTK) rebounded with a solid 14.9% increase for the year, slightly outpacing a 14.6% growth in offered freight capacity. As a result, the average international freight load factor rose by a marginal 0.2 percentage points to 61.0% in 2024, AAPA said.

“2024 was a strong year for Asia Pacific airlines. The post-pandemic recovery on North East Asia routes, helped by the relaxation of visa policies, together with overall healthy demand across the region, drove growth in both leisure and business travel markets. This resulted in a 30.5% increase in the number of international passengers carried for the year, reaching a total of 365 million,” AAPA Director General Subhas Menon said in a statement.

Looking ahead, Menon concluded: “The outlook for air travel markets in 2025 remains broadly positive, although growth rates are expected to moderate further. However, airlines continue to face challenges, including rising labour, maintenance, and aircraft leasing costs, as well as operational pressures due to ongoing delays in aircraft deliveries. To navigate these challenges, airlines are focusing on active cost management and seeking the commitment of equipment suppliers to address supply chain problems, while continuing to invest in growth opportunities.”

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