Asia Pacific airlines carried 365 million international passengers in 2024
Travel Biz News —
Asia Pacific airlines carried a combined total of 365 million international passengers in 2024, representing a 30.5 per cent increase compared to the previous year. International air cargo markets recorded healthy growth in 2024, after two years in decline.
Preliminary traffic figures for the full calendar year 2024, released by Kuala Lumpur based Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA), revealed strong growth in both international air passenger and cargo markets. The increase in flight frequencies alongside network expansions supported solid growth in travel demand, while robust e-commerce activity and disruptions to maritime shipping drove air cargo volumes higher.
“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 , ” said Subhas Menon, AAPA Director General.
Despite weakness in the global manufacturing sector, Asia Pacific carriers saw significant growth in their air cargo business, driven by a surge in e-commerce sales and the region’s role as a manufacturing hub, particularly in China,
“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,” he added.
6 February 2025 Photo : Vietnam Airlines
