- Global passenger demand fell 0.5pc year on year in September 2026.
- International demand rose 0.4pc.
- Domestic demand fell 2.2pc.
- Middle East carriers recorded an 8pc decline.
- Load factor was 83.2pc.
IATA has reported that global air passenger demand fell 0.5pc year on year in September 2026. International demand rose 0.4pc while domestic demand declined 2.2pc. Total capacity decreased 0.2pc and load factor was 83.2pc.
Middle East carriers recorded the steepest drop at 8pc. North American carriers saw flat international demand and a 2.7pc fall in domestic demand. European carriers recorded a 1.8pc rise in international demand and a load factor of 86.1pc.
Asia-Pacific airlines saw a 0.7pc rise in international demand. Latin American airlines recorded an 8.2pc rise and African airlines an 8pc rise. IATA noted weakness in the Middle East and North America offset growth elsewhere.
Marie Owens Thomsen shared “Air traffic demand fell 0.5% in September, reflecting weaknesses in the Middle East and North America.”
