IATA: Global air passenger demand rises 6.1% in February

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said global air passenger demand rose 6.1% year-on-year in February 2026, signalling continued recovery and resilience in the sector despite mounting geopolitical and cost pressures.

Total capacity increased by 5.6%, while the global load factor reached 81.4%, the highest ever recorded for the month of February.

International traffic grew 5.9% compared to a year earlier, with capacity up 5.3% and load factors improving to 80.5%. Domestic markets performed slightly better, with demand rising 6.3% and load factors reaching 82.8%.

IATA Director General Willie Walsh said the figures reflected strong underlying demand, but warned that the evolving conflict in the Middle East is already affecting the industry outlook. Rising fuel costs, constrained capacity and route adjustments are beginning to push fares higher and slow planned growth.

Regionally, Latin American carriers posted the strongest international growth at 13.5%, followed by Asia-Pacific airlines at 8.6%. European and North American carriers both recorded 5.0% growth. By contrast, Middle Eastern airlines saw demand rise by just 0.9%, with load factors declining amid regional disruption.

Traffic between Europe and Asia remained a standout performer, increasing by around 14%, supported in part by seasonal demand linked to the Lunar New Year.

In domestic markets, growth was driven primarily by Brazil and China, both posting double-digit increases, while the United States saw more modest expansion.

While February’s performance confirms solid demand fundamentals, IATA cautioned that uncertainty around fuel prices, capacity deployment and geopolitical developments could weigh on airline performance in the months ahead.