IATA: Airlines expect record passenger numbers in 2025

Airlines around the world expect to carry a record 5.2 billion passengers in 2025 and also record a cumulative net profit of $36.6 billion, despite persistent supply chain problems, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced yesterday, AFP reports.

The profit estimate for 2025 is 16.1% above the $31.5 billion net result forecast for 2024. The net profit margin for the entire industry will be 3.6%, higher than the 3.3% recorded in 2024, Agerpres notes.

• Cumulative revenue to top $1 trillion for first time

Combined revenue for global airlines is expected to grow 4.4% in 2025 to top $1 trillion for the first time, while costs are expected to rise just 4% to $940 billion, according to the report.

Airlines around the world say their growth is being held back by problems at major aircraft manufacturers Airbus and Boeing, which have led to delays in delivering planes on order. Without newer, more efficient planes, airlines say they cannot cut fuel costs while carrying more passengers.

"All these efforts will help to counter several factors affecting profitability that are beyond the control of airlines, namely persistent supply challenges and a growing fiscal burden," IATA Director General Willie Walsh said at a press conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

The strong 2025 figures are evidence of a spectacular comeback for a sector that recorded abysmal losses during the pandemic, which IATA estimated at $183 billion cumulatively between 2020 and 2022.

IATA represents approximately 340 airlines worldwide, equivalent to 80% of global air traffic.