Muscat sees growth in direct passengers as airlines see a demand surge

Muscat: Middle Eastern carriers saw a 6.3 percent year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 6.2 percent year-on-year, and the load factor was 81.9 percent, unchanged compared to September 2024, according to

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) data for September 2025 shows global passenger demand.

• Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 3.6 percent compared to September 2024.
• Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 3.7 percent year-on-year.
• The September load factor was 83.4 percent (-0.1 ppt compared to September 2024).
• International demand rose 5.1 percent compared to September 2024. Capacity was up 5.2 percent year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.6% (-0.1 ppt compared to September 2024).
• Domestic demand increased 0.9 percent compared to September 2024. Capacity was up 1.1 percent year-on-year. The load factor was 83 percent (-0.1 ppt compared to September 2024).

“Solid international demand drove 90% of September’s 3.6% overall growth. Importantly, the capacity expansion slightly nudged ahead of demand growth at 3.7%. Load factors, nonetheless, remained very strong at 83.4%. With November flight schedules indicating a 3% expansion on the previous year, airlines are gearing up for continued growth into the year-end holiday season. This is despite the severe constraints of unresolved supply chain issues,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.