Air passenger demand grew by 1.2% in July 2026, barring ME region: IATA
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for July 2026 global passenger demand. Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), was up 0.2% compared to July 2025. Excluding the Middle East, demand grew by 1.2%. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), increased 0.3% year-on-year. The load factor was 85.2% (-0.1 ppt compared to...
IATA reports a fall of 1.7% in air passenger demand in June 2026
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for June 2026 global passenger demand. Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was down 1.7% compared to June 2025. Excluding the Middle East, demand declined by 0.6%. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), decreased 1.3% year-on-year. The load factor was 84.2%...
IATA board names Saadia Zahidi as Director General
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Saadia Zahidi has been appointed by IATA’s Board of Directors to the position of Director General from November 1, 2026. Zahidi will be IATA’s ninth Director General and the first woman appointed to hold the position. She joins IATA from the World Economic Forum (WEF) where she is a Managing Director and Member of the...
US remains top passenger market with 890.1 mn passengers: IATA
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released the latest edition of the World Air Transport Statistics (WATS), providing comprehensive statistical data through to 2025. WATS incorporates data from the 1,315 airlines in the IATA Annual Statistics collection, including more than 250 international airlines providing specific data contributions to WATS...
Global airline profits halve amid fuel and geopolitical headwinds: IATA
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its latest financial outlook for the global airline industry showing a halving of profitability as a result of war-related Middle East disruptions and high fuel prices. The regional landscape, however, is highly differentiated. At the geographic centre of the Middle East war, airlines in the Middle East are expected to collectively...
IATA & ICAO strengthen partnership to boost SAF
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) announced enhanced cooperation at ICAO Aviation Climate Week on June 2, 2026, to advance transparency and integrity in tracking progress and accelerating the development and deployment of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF)...
IATA records fall of 3.4% in air passenger demand due to Middle East War
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its data for April 2026 global passenger demand. According to the data the total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was down by -3.4% compared to April 2025. Excluding the Middle East, demand increased by 1.2%. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), decreased -2.9% year-on-year...
EU Air connectivity flatlined at 1% growth under high costs and onerous regulation: IATA
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data showing that European air connectivity essentially flatlined in 2025 with a net 1% growth in the total number of routes connecting the continent (both internally and with other parts of the world). This is below the compound annual growth of 1.5% over the last decade. In 2025, total 1,127 routes across the...
IATA reports Egypt’s aviation demand to rise by up to 3.8% annually
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) presented data showing Egypt’s strong aviation growth outlook and called for continued collaboration between government and industry to ensure that future growth is supported by cost-effective infrastructure, globally aligned regulation, and progress on sustainability. IATA’s long-term passenger traffic outlook for Egypt shows that in...
IATA calls on African Govt. to prioritise aviation for long term economic growth
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on African governments to prioritise aviation as a strategic enabler of economic and social development. “Aviation is economic infrastructure for Africa. Its value lies in the long term benefits it delivers. An aviation strategy focused on safety, cost-competitiveness, energy security/sustainability, and ease of doing business...
