8.7% rise in demand for ME flights

The Middle East emerged as a key driver of global aviation growth in November 2024, with airlines reporting an 8.7 per cent rise in passenger demand and notable gains on international routes, according to the latest report by IATA. The region contributed significantly to the industry’s 8.1 per cent global increase in passenger traffic, supported by strong performance by the Gulf countries.

TT Bureau

There was a notable growth across the global aviation sector in November 2024, according to the passenger demand data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently. Among the highlights, the Middle East emerged as a significant contributor to the upward trend, with the region’s airlines reporting an 8.7 per cent year-on-year increase in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK). The growth was further complemented by a 3.9 per cent rise in capacity and a 3.6 percentage point (ppt) improvement in load factor, reaching 81.0 per cent.

Middle Eastern flights demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability, particularly on key international routes. The Middle East-Asia route, for instance, experienced a 9.5 per cent year-on-year increase in RPK, while the Africa-Middle East route led growth globally with a staggering 12.7 per cent surge. These achievements underline the pivotal role of Gulf nations as aviation hubs, bolstered by their strategic geographic position and advanced airport infrastructure.

Despite geopolitical challenges in certain areas, Middle Eastern airlines capitalised on robust international demand and the region’s connectivity, ensuring steady recovery and expansion. Alongside Asia-Pacific airlines, which saw the highest year-on-year RPK growth at 19.9 per cent, the Middle East significantly boosted global air travel momentum.

Global trends

On a global scale, November 2024 marked an 8.1 per cent increase in total passenger demand compared to the same month in 2023. Capacity grew by 5.7 per cent, and the load factor reached an all-time high for November at 83.4 per cent, up 1.9 ppt from the previous year.

International passenger demand recorded an impressive 11.6 per cent year-on-year rise, with Asia-Pacific and European carriers driving this growth. Europe achieved the highest load factor among regions at 85.0 per cent, while Asia-Pacific closely followed with 84.9 per cent. Capacity growth remained robust at 8.6 per cent, underscoring strong global recovery dynamics. Domestic markets, however, grew at a more subdued pace, with a 3.1 per cent increase in RPK year-on-year. This was primarily due to a contraction in the US domestic market, which recorded a 2.7 per cent decline as low-cost carrier activity waned. In contrast, India emerged as a standout performer in domestic markets, registering a remarkable 13.3 per cent increase in RPK.

Regional highlights

Asia-Pacific: With a 19.9 per cent surge in international passenger demand, Asia-Pacific led all regions. Capacity grew by 16.2 per cent, and the load factor climbed 2.6 ppt to 84.9 per cent.

Europe: European airlines posted a 9.4 per cent year-on-year increase in demand, supported by a 7.1 per cent rise in capacity and an 85.0 per cent load factor.

North America: Growth remained modest, with a 3.1 per cent rise in demand and a 1.6 per cent increase in capacity. The load factor stood at 81.0 per cent, up 1.1 ppt.

Latin America: The region achieved an 11.4 per cent rise in demand, alongside an 11.9 per cent increase in capacity. However, the load factor saw a slight dip of 0.4 ppt to 84.4 per cent.

Africa: African airlines experienced 12.4 per cent rise in demand, with 4.1 ppt improvement in load factor to 72.9 per cent.