IBA reports global passenger capacity up 10% from pre-pandemic levels in H1 2025

IBA released its latest analysis of global aviation trends for the first half of 2025, highlighting continued growth in global passenger capacity, notable increases in international traffic, and shifting dynamics in aircraft deliveries.

Global Available Seat Kilometers (ASKs) rose by 4.6% in H1 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, and were up 9.8% against pre-pandemic levels in H1 2019, underscoring the industry’s recovery.

International traffic was the primary driver of growth, with ASKs up 6% year-on-year in H1 2025, while domestic capacity saw a more modest increase of 2%. Compared to H1 2019, domestic capacity is 16% higher, with international capacity now ahead by 7%, marking a steady return of long-haul connectivity and cross-border demand.

This data was revealed in IBA’s twice-yearly Aviation Barometer, highlighting the key trends in global aviation industry as revealed with data from IBA Insight, the ultimate aviation intelligence platform.

IBA reported that aircraft deliveries reached 626 units across H1 2025, up 13% compared to H1 2024, but 20% below H1 2018 levels. Airbus and Boeing delivered 303 and 270 commercial aircraft respectively in H1 2025, with Airbus output declining 8% year-on-year, while Boeing deliveries surged by 62%, reflecting a jump in MAX production and delivery output.

The A320neo and 737 MAX families remain the backbone of narrowbody deliveries, averaging 39 and 34 aircraft per month respectively across H1 2025.

IBA Insight data revealed that China continues to outperform global trends, cementing its status as an important growth engine for the sector. Passenger ASKs from Chinese operators ended H1 2025 16% above 2019 levels. A total of 2.81 million commercial passenger flights were recorded by Chinese carriers during H1 2025, up from 2.72 million in H1 2024 and 2.38 million in