Asia Pacific airlines post +5.9% increase in February traffic amid rising travel demand

International air passenger numbers in Asia Pacific rose +5.9% year-on-year in February, reaching 30.8 million.

Mar 27, 2025 - 10:40

Asia Pacific airlines post +5.9% increase in February traffic amid rising travel demand

ASIA PACIFIC. International air passenger numbers in Asia Pacific rose +5.9% year-on-year in February, reaching 30.8 million.

**February air passenger demand in Asia Pacific strengthens, fuelled by a steady rise in global travel. Click on image to enlarge. {Image: Association of Asia Pacific Airlines}**

That’s according to preliminary traffic figures released today by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA). The numbers reflect stronger global travel demand across the region, notably during the Lunar New Year holiday period.

Measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), international passenger demand increased +9.2% , highlighting the strength of long-haul markets.

Available seat capacity grew +8.6%, while the average international passenger load factor slightly increased by 0.4 percentage points to 82.2% for the month.

AAPA Director General Subhas Menon said, “In the first two months of the year, combined international passenger traffic for the region’s carriers rose by a robust +13%, reaching a total of 66 million passengers. During the same period, international air cargo demand increased +4% year-on-year, supported by higher demand for consumer and intermediate goods.”

Looking ahead, Menon said: “Overall, airlines are expected to continue to benefit from sustained travel demand and growth in air shipments as a result of ongoing expansion in ecommerce activity. However, the region’s carriers are facing headwinds, particularly as rising costs, driven in part by fleet capacity constraints, continue to exert pressure on revenue.”

He concluded, “The recent rise in protectionist sentiment also presents potential challenges to trade and broader business activity. In response, Asian airlines are maintaining a cautious stance, closely monitoring evolving operating conditions while actively exploring opportunities in high-potential growth markets.”