The International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasts a 4.3% increase in flight frequencies and a 4.2% rise in available seats compared to the same period in 2023 for the holiday season in Latin America and the Caribbean.
When considering the entire year, airlines are expected to increase the number of passengers transported in the region by 5% in 2024, showcasing the strong recovery and significant progress the industry has achieved across the region.
Airlines have been diligently planning for the increase in passenger numbers, implementing measures to improve operational efficiency. However, the success of these efforts heavily depends on close collaboration between airlines, airports, and government agencies.
Shared Responsibilities
IATA reminds all stakeholders in the aviation value chain and governments of their shared responsibility to maintain a safe and efficient transportation system, ensuring a seamless travel experience, especially during the upcoming holiday season.
Authorities across the Americas must ensure that staffing levels in airports, security, immigration, and air traffic control facilities are adequate to handle the increased volume of travelers.
“Air operations depend on the smooth cooperation of all stakeholders: airlines, airports, authorities, and providers. A failure in any link can disrupt the entire passenger experience. Therefore, collaboration and planning are crucial, especially during the busiest travel season of the year,” said Peter Cerdá, IATA’s Regional Vice President for the Americas.
In addition to passengers, carriers are also working against the clock to move packages around the world during this holiday season. By December 2024, airlines in Latin America and the Caribbean are expected to transport over 2.7 million tons of cargo, including medical supplies, fresh food and flowers, live animals, and electronics, which represents a 17.8% increase compared to December 2019 and an 8.7% rise compared to the same period in 2023.
Travel Tips:
Download your airline’s mobile app: Make sure to download your airline’s app as soon as you purchase your ticket. Airlines have made significant investments in these apps to provide flight updates, such as boarding times, gate numbers, and other important announcements.
Plan ahead: Ensure you have extra time, as ground transportation to airports becomes busier, and security and immigration lines are longer than usual.
Be mindful of the weather: Airlines do everything possible to ensure flights depart and arrive on time, but in the case of adverse weather conditions, planes will not take off. Safety is always our industry’s top priority.
IATA emphasizes the importance of proactive planning and coordination among all stakeholders and passengers. By working together, we can ensure the holiday travel period is as smooth and enjoyable as possible for everyone.
