Asia Pacific airlines delivered a solid performance in 2025, according to early full-year traffic data released by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA). Growth in both international passenger and cargo markets was supported by stable economic conditions and sustained travel demand, despite ongoing geopolitical and trade-related challenges.
Over the year, airlines in the region carried a total of 390.5 million international passengers, marking a 9.4% increase compared with 2024. Revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs) grew by 11.0%, driven by stronger long-haul travel, while intra-regional routes also recorded healthy activity amid regional economic expansion.
International air cargo shows steady gains
Air cargo markets showed resilience in a difficult operating environment shaped by new tariffs affecting Asian and major global economies. As supply chains adjusted rapidly, Asia Pacific carriers reported a 5.6% rise in international air cargo demand in 2025, measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTKs).
Expanded belly-hold capacity pushed available freight space up by 6.8% during the year. This increase in capacity led to a slight decline of 0.7 percentage points in the average international freight load factor, which settled at 60.3%.
Cargo demand growth in 2025 followed the exceptionally strong 14.9% expansion recorded in 2024. Airlines across the region demonstrated flexibility in responding to shifting trade policies and market conditions, while continued growth in e-commerce and the movement of intermediate goods from regional manufacturing centres supported demand.
Looking ahead, AAPA Director General Subhas Menon noted that the outlook for air travel in 2026 remains encouraging, underpinned by steady economic growth and ongoing network development. Air cargo volumes are also expected to increase, although global trade tensions may temper the pace of expansion.
Cost pressures and uncertainty persist
Despite the positive traffic trends, Asia Pacific airlines continue to contend with rising operating costs, partly due to lingering supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures.
In response, carriers remain focused on disciplined cost control, investment in digital technologies, and ongoing network optimisation as they navigate uncertainty while aiming for sustainable long-term growth.
©PressRelease-AAPA