- Global air passenger demand increased by 2.1pc in March 2026 compared with March 2025.
- International demand fell by 0.6pc while domestic demand rose by 6.5pc.
- Asia-Pacific carriers recorded 11.5pc growth in passenger demand.
- Middle Eastern carriers saw international demand decrease by 58.6pc.
- The passenger load factor reached 83.6pc for the month.
Total demand measured in revenue passenger kilometres rose by 2.1pc compared with March 2025 according to global air passenger demand figures for March 2026 from the International Air Transport Association. Capacity measured in available seat kilometres decreased by 1.7pc while the passenger load factor reached 83.6pc.
Asia-Pacific airlines recorded an 11.5pc increase in demand and African carriers saw demand rise by 19.2pc. Middle Eastern carriers experienced a 58.6pc decline in international demand due to regional conflict. European carriers achieved 7.5pc growth in demand with strong expansion on Europe-Asia routes.
Domestic markets grew by 6.5pc with China and Brazil leading with double-digit increases. The overall international market declined by 0.6pc, the first fall since March 2021.
Willie Walsh shared “Demand for air travel continued to grow in March despite disruptions in the Middle East. Everybody’s watching what’s happening with jet fuel both supply and pricing.”
