Worldwide, international passenger traffic increased 7.1% compared with 2024, while domestic travel grew 2.4%, accroding to IATA. Airlines faced tight capacity, with the global passenger load factor reaching 83.6%, a record for annual volumes. December 2025 capped the year strongly, as overall traffic rose 5.6% and load factors climbed to 83.7%.
IATA highlighted ongoing challenges for the aviation sector, including decarbonisation and supply chain constraints.
«Sustainable aviation fuel and energy development are essential for countries whose economies rely on air transport,» IATA Director General Willie Walsh said.
Airlines also faced delays in new aircraft deliveries and maintenance bottlenecks, forcing them to operate existing fleets longer and maintain high occupancy rates.
Cargo traffic showed particularly strong performance, rising 3.4% globally. International freight demand grew 4.2%, supported by continued e-commerce growth and expanding trade within Asia and between Asia and Europe. Freight yields fell only 1.5%, the smallest decline in three years, indicating the market is returning to balance after post-pandemic surges.
Central Asia and Uzbekistan Outlook
The report underlines the growing opportunities for Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, which is expanding its aviation infrastructure and positioning itself as a regional transport hub. Improved passenger connectivity and freight capacity could support trade, tourism and economic development. Regional airlines may benefit from re-routing cargo flows, particularly from Asia to Europe, while maintaining flexibility amid global supply chain pressures.
IATA’s 2025 data also showed a shift in global cargo routes, with a decline in traffic between Asia and North America and stronger flows from Asia to Europe and within Asia. The association expects 2026 to bring slightly slower growth, around 2.4%, while cargo demand will continue to underpin regional trade networks.
IATA represents about 350 airlines accounting for more than 80% of global air traffic. Its report is based on airline submissions and estimates using sources including FlightRadar24, covering both member and non-member carriers.
Uzbekistan’s Transport Ministry held talks with Austrian officials on the potential launch of direct flights between Tashkent and Vienna.
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