Airlines across the Asia-Pacific region recorded continued growth in both passenger and cargo traffic in November 2025, according to new figures from the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA).
International passenger numbers rose by 8.3% compared with a year earlier, reaching a total of 32.9 million travellers.
Demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres, increased by 9.0%, outpacing the 8.0% rise in seat capacity. As a result, the average international load factor improved by 0.8 percentage points to 83.2%.
AAPA said travel demand remained strong within the region and on key long-haul routes, supported by both leisure and business travel.
Air cargo demand also continued to expand, helped by increased export activity and a rise in e-commerce ahead of the year-end festive season.
International freight demand grew by 6.2% year on year in November, while cargo capacity increased by 7.2%. This led to a slight fall in the average freight load factor, down 0.6 percentage points to 61.9%.
Subhas Menon, Director General of AAPA, said passenger growth had been “robust” throughout the year.
He noted that the number of international passengers carried by Asia-Pacific airlines rose by around 10% in the first eleven months of 2025, reaching a total of 355 million.
He added that air cargo demand had also remained resilient, increasing by 5.6% over the same period, as supply chains continued to shift towards other Asian economies.
Looking ahead, Mr Menon said the outlook for 2026 remained positive, with further growth in passenger demand expected. However, he warned that increased competition was putting pressure on fares, while airlines continued to face higher costs linked to ongoing supply chain challenges.
Although lower oil prices have offered some relief, carriers remain focused on controlling costs to protect profitability.
