Global Aviation Set for Record $1 Trillion Revenue in 2025, Yet Profit per Passenger Just $7

This was written by Skift's Rafat Ali with AI assistance, and edited by Skift. All quotes and figures have been confirmed with original sources, and further insights have been added by the writer and editor.

Despite surging global demand and the historic milestone of surpassing $1 trillion in industry revenues, air travelers will find their tickets slightly cheaper in 2025, according to a newly released outlook from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). After adjusting for inflation, the cost of flying continues to trend downward, with the average airfare—including ancillary fees—projected at about $380, a 1.8% dip from 2024. Over the long term, that translates into an impressive 44% decrease in real terms since 2014.

To passengers, this still represents a good value proposition. With an expected five billion people taking to the skies and 4