India leads world in domestic flight passenger loads

India has 86.4% passenger load factor in 2024 and is ahead of China and US which are at 2nd and 3rd respectively, as per IATA report.

India carried 16.3 crores passengers on domestic flights in 2024, as per DGCA figures. India has the highest passenger load factor of 86.4% among all domestic markets, IATA report says.

US was 84.1%, China 83.2%. Brazil was 4th with 81.9%, Australia at 81.8% and Japan at 78%. Domestic and international full year demand reached all time high for passengers and load factors.

“2024 proved that people want to travel. 10.4% demand growth, travel has never been bigger domestically and internationally. Airlines delivered that demand with record efficiency.”

“On average 83.5% of all seats offered were filled — a new record high, partly due to supply chain constraints that limited capacity growth.”

“Aviation has a ripple effect across societies and economies at all levels — jobs, market development, trade, innovation, exploration and more,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

“Looking ahead to 2025 it’s clear demand will continue to grow but at a more normal 8.0% pace.”

“The need to be part of the freedom that flying offers puts things in perspective,” he said.

In that context, Walsh said, “The accident in Washington last night is a reminder that safety needs our attention. Our thoughts are with all those affected. We will never stop making aviation safer.”