- Passenger numbers at US airports are heading for their first annual decline since 2020.
- About 9.3m fewer people were screened since April compared with 2025.
- September fares were up more than 22pc year on year.
- Airlines are prioritising passenger yield over load factor.
- Premium cabin demand remains strong.
Passenger numbers at US airports are heading for their first annual decline since 2020 with about 9.3m fewer people screened since April compared with the same period in 2025. Airlines are not concerned prioritising higher fares and premium cabin demand over filling every seat. September fares were up more than 22pc year on year.
American Airlines and others report strong interest in first class and premium economy options helping offset lower overall volumes. Average airline ticket prices shot up by more than 22pc year-over-year. Major carriers face pressure from jet fuel prices which have spiked to more than double their previous year’s levels.
Executives at major airlines state they are actively prioritising passenger yield over load factor. The dip aligns with broader cooling trends observed across regional travel hubs and declining numbers of transborder and international visitors entering the country. Airlines are focusing on filling profitable routes and securing higher average fares rather than expanding capacity.
