Global air passenger demand dropped by 3.4% in April 2026, dragged down by a 46.6% fall for Middle East carriers due to regional tensions, reports IATA. Excluding the Middle East, demand saw a modest increase of 1.2% amid volatile conditions.
The tensions in West Asia have led to a 3.4% fall in air passenger demand in April 2026, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Overall Market Performance in April
In the data released by the Association, total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), was down 3.4 per cent compared to April 2025. Excluding the Middle East, demand increased by 1.2%. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), decreased 2.9% year-on-year. The load factor was 83.1% (-0.4 ppt compared to April 2025), according to a release from IATA.
International demand fell -5.3% compared to April 2025. Excluding the Middle East, demand grew by 1.9%. Capacity was down -5.1% year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.9%, which is a decrease of 0.2 percentage points compared to April 2025.
Domestic demand was flat compared to April 2025. Capacity increased 0.8% year-on-year. The load factor was 81.9%, which is a decrease of 0.7 percentage points compared to April 2025.
IATA on Market Volatility and Rising Costs
"The 46.6% fall in demand for carriers in the Middle East due to war in the region was so acute that it dragged overall demand down -3.4%. The situation for air transport remains highly volatile. The cost of jet fuel more than doubled in April, which is pushing airfares up. Forward schedule data is showing a reduced offering in the coming months, indicating that airlines are balancing high fuel costs and weaker demand," said Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General.
International Passenger Market Breakdown
International RPK fell -5.3%, with capacity falling -5.1%. However, this decline was caused by continuing heavy falls in demand for Middle East carriers. Excluding the Middle East, RPK increased by 1.9%. North America was flat, and all other regions reported growth.
Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific airlines achieved a 3.0% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 0.7% year-on-year, and the load factor was 87.5% (+1.9 ppt compared to April 2025), a record high for April, the release noted. There was a notable slowdown in traffic on the Japan-China corridor due to ongoing political tensions.
Europe
European carriers saw a 0.9% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 0.3% year-onyear, and the load factor was 84.9% (+0.6 ppt compared to April 2025). Direct traffic between Europe and Asia increased 15.3% as it replaced traffic transiting through the Middle East.
North America
North American carriers saw a 0.0% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity decreased 1.1% year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.9% (+0.9 ppt compared to April 2025).
Middle East
Middle Eastern carriers saw a -48.1% year-on-year decrease in demand. Capacity fell -38.4% yearon-year, and the load factor was 70.1% (-13.1 ppt compared to April 2025).
Latin America
Latin American airlines achieved an 8.9% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity climbed 7.2% year-on-year. The load factor was 84.6% (+1.4 ppt compared to April 2025).
Africa
African airlines saw a 2.2% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 1.2% year-on-year. The load factor was 77.9% (+0.7 ppt compared to April 2025), as per the release.
Domestic Market Insights
Domestic RPK was flat in April compared to April 2025. Growth in Brazil, China, and Japan was balanced out by falls in Australia, India, and the United States. Load factors fell in most of the major markets, barring China and Japan, though it should be noted that capacity in the Japanese market has declined for eight months in a row. (ANI)
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