The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released data for February 2026 global passenger demand, highlighting continued resilience in air travel markets despite emerging geopolitical and cost pressures.
Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), increased by 6.1% compared to February 2025. Capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), rose by 5.6% year-on-year. The global load factor reached 81.4%, marking a 0.3 percentage point increase and the highest February level on record.
International passenger demand grew by 5.9% year-on-year, supported by a 5.3% increase in capacity. The international load factor improved to 80.5%, up 0.5 percentage points from the previous year. Meanwhile, domestic markets posted a 6.3% increase in demand, closely matched by a 6.2% rise in capacity, resulting in a stable load factor of 82.8%.
“February was a strong month for air travel, with demand growth of 6.1% confirming solid fundamentals for the year ahead,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “However, uncertainty surrounding the duration and intensity of the conflict in the Middle East makes it difficult to fully assess its impact on the industry. Rising fuel costs, tight capacity, and thin margins are already contributing to higher airfares. Airlines are also adjusting capacity deployment, particularly on routes linked to the Middle East or affected by fuel supply challenges.”
Performance across global regions was mixed, with several markets showing robust growth:
- Asia-Pacific airlines recorded a strong 9.1% increase in demand, supported by Lunar New Year travel, with load factors reaching 85.5%.
- Europe saw a 4.9% rise in demand, with steady improvements in capacity and load factors.
- Latin America and the Caribbean led growth with a 9.2% increase in demand and the highest load factor gain (+2.3 percentage points to 84.0%).
- North America experienced more modest growth at 2.8%, but achieved improved load factors.
- Africa posted the highest demand growth at 11.9%, though load factors declined slightly.
- Middle East carriers saw limited growth of 0.8%, alongside a decline in load factor, reflecting regional operational challenges.
International traffic growth was particularly strong in Latin America and on routes between Europe and Asia, which increased by 14%, notably driven by travel between Asia and Southern Europe.
Domestic travel demand rose by 6.3%, fueled by strong performance in key markets:
- Brazil and China led growth with double-digit increases in demand.
- The United States recorded modest growth of 1.5%.
- India and Japan saw relatively stable demand, while Australia experienced a slight decline.
Overall, domestic markets maintained a stable load factor of 82.8%, reflecting balanced growth between capacity and demand.
While the global aviation sector continues to demonstrate resilience and steady recovery, external pressures—particularly geopolitical tensions and rising fuel costs—are expected to shape airline strategies in the coming months. Capacity growth forecasts for March have already been revised downward, signaling a more cautious outlook.
