Air travel demand grows worldwide as India ranks among fastest-growing markets

Global air travel continued to grow strongly in November 2025, with passenger demand rising by 5.7% compared to the same month last year, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Airlines also added more seats, with total capacity increasing by 5.4%. Because of this strong demand, aircraft were fuller than ever before. The global passenger load factor, a measure of how full planes is reached a record 83.7 per cent for the month of November.

India sees strong domestic growth

India stood out as one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world.

IATA said domestic air travel in India grew by 7.7% in November 2025 compared to last year. This shows that more Indians are choosing to fly for business, leisure and family travel as the country’s aviation network continues to expand. Along with Brazil, India recorded the highest growth among all major domestic markets, highlighting the country’s strong recovery and rising demand for air connectivity.

IATA Director General Willie Walsh said that while passenger demand is rising strongly, airlines are facing challenges in getting new aircraft because of delays in aircraft manufacturing and supply chain problems. This has limited how much capacity airlines can add. He also said that aircraft manufacturers must increase production in 2026 to reduce the backlog of more than 17,000 aircraft orders and meet airline demand.

International air travel also showed healthy growth:

• African airlines recorded the highest growth at 11.2%
• Asia-Pacific airlines saw 9.3% growth
• European carriers recorded 6.8%
• Middle Eastern airlines grew by 9.6%

North American airlines saw slower growth, and the United States was the only major country to report a fall in domestic air travel during the month.

India’s strong domestic growth shows the country’s growing middle class, increasing air connectivity and rising confidence in air travel. With more airports being developed and airlines adding new routes, India is set to remain one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets in the coming years.