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Asia Pacific airlines posted strong growth in international passenger and cargo markets in 2025
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International passenger numbers rose 9.4% to 390.5 million, driven by long-haul and intra-regional demand
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Revenue passenger kilometers increased 11.0% as network expansion continued
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Seat capacity grew 10.2%, lifting average passenger load factor to a record 82.2%
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International air cargo demand rose 5.6% despite trade and geopolitical uncertainties
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Freight capacity expanded 6.8%, resulting in a slight decline in cargo load factors
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Industry outlook for 2026 remains positive, though trade tensions and cost pressures persist
Asia Pacific airlines recorded strong growth in international passenger and cargo markets in 2025, supported by resilient economic conditions and sustained travel demand despite elevated trade and geopolitical uncertainties, according to preliminary full-year data released by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA).
The region’s carriers transported a combined 390.5 million international passengers during the year, marking a 9.4% increase compared with 2024. Demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers, rose by 11.0%, reflecting robust performance on long-haul routes, while intra-regional traffic remained buoyant on the back of regional economic growth.
Ongoing network expansion resulted in a 10.2% increase in available seat capacity, pushing the average international passenger load factor up by 0.5 percentage points to a record 82.2% in 2025.
Air cargo markets also posted gains despite a challenging operating environment, including the introduction of tariffs affecting Asian and major global economies.
Asia Pacific airlines recorded a 5.6% increase in international air cargo demand, measured in freight tonne kilometers, as global supply chains adapted to changing trade conditions.
READ: Asia Pacific airlines’ cargo demand rises 8.9% in Sept
Continued expansion of belly-hold capacity led to a 6.8% rise in offered freight capacity, which in turn lowered the average international freight load factor by 0.7 percentage points to 60.3% for the year.
AAPA director general Subhas Menon said, “Asia Pacific carriers saw a year of strong growth in international passenger traffic, supported by robust demand across key markets in the region, including China, India, Japan, and Vietnam. This resulted in a 9.4% increase in the number of international passengers carried for the year.”
“In addition, Asia Pacific airlines recorded a 5.6% increase in international air cargo demand in 2025, building on the strong 14.9% growth achieved in 2024. The region’s carriers demonstrated agility in responding to changes in trade policies and market dynamics, while benefiting from continued growth in e-commerce demand and intermediate goods flows from manufacturing hubs across the region,” Menon said.
Looking ahead, he said, “The broader outlook for air travel remains positive in 2026, supported by steady economic growth and continued network expansion. Air cargo demand is also expected to continue growing, but may be weighed down by trade tensions in the global economy.”
“At the same time, Asian airlines continue to face inflationary pressures on operating costs, partly reflecting ongoing supply chain disruptions. Overall, Asia Pacific airlines remain focused on active cost management, investments in digital capabilities, and network adjustments in response to market changes, as they navigate ongoing uncertainties while delivering sustainable, long-term growth,” Menon said.
READ: Asia Pacific sea, air cargo markets emphasize flexibility in 2026
