Airlines likely to post $36 billion profit in 2025: IATA

NEW DELHI: Airlines are expected to post a combined profit of $36 billion in 2025, up from $32.4 billion last year, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said on Monday.

Speaking at IATA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in New Delhi, Director General Willie Walsh emphasized that airspace should remain free from trade war disruptions, urging governments to avoid using it as a tool in geopolitical disputes.

This marks India’s first hosting of the AGM since 42 years ago. Walsh highlighted supply chain

challenges, noting a 17,000-aircraft backlog, 1,100 relatively new planes in storage, and a three percent fleet replacement rate.

IATA forecasts global airline profits of $36 billion for 2025, surpassing 2024’s $32.4 billion but slightly below December 2024’s projection of $36.6 billion. Walsh noted that whilst $36 billion profit appears substantial, it translates to merely $7.20 per passenger per segment.

He cautioned that this modest margin leaves little room for additional taxes, increased charges, demand fluctuations, or costly regulations that could test industry stability. NEW DELHI: Airlines are expected to post a combined profit of $36 billion in 2025, up from $32.4 billion last year, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said on Monday.

This marks India’s first hosting of the AGM since 42 years ago. Walsh highlighted supply chain

challenges, noting a 17,000-aircraft backlog, 1,100 relatively new planes in storage, and a three percent fleet replacement rate.

IATA forecasts global airline profits of $36 billion for 2025, surpassing 2024’s $32.4 billion but slightly below December 2024’s projection of $36.6 billion. Walsh noted that while $36 billion profit appears substantial, it translates to merely $7.20 per passenger per segment.