Demand Growth Amid Global Uncertainty
Global air travel demand increased by 2.1% year-on-year in March, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), despite disruptions in several regions. Total capacity declined by 1.7% compared with March 2025, while the global load factor rose to 83.6%, an increase of 3.1 percentage points.
Diverging Market Performances
Domestic traffic increased by 6.5%, supported by a 5.6% rise in capacity. In contrast, international passenger demand declined by 0.6%, marking the first contraction since March 2021. International capacity fell by 6.2%, while load factors improved to 84.1%, up 4.7 percentage points. These figures indicate different trends across markets, with domestic travel continuing to grow while international traffic faced pressure.
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Middle East: A Stark Contrast
The decline in international demand was largely linked to a 60.8% drop among carriers in the Middle East, reflecting the impact of ongoing geopolitical tensions. Airlines operating outside the region reported demand growth of 8%, indicating more stable conditions in other markets.
Fuel Concerns And Future Outlook
Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, said demand continued to grow despite regional disruptions, noting that the decline in Middle Eastern traffic limited overall growth. He also pointed to volatility in jet fuel supply and pricing, which affects ticket costs, and highlighted the importance of flexibility in slot allocation if fuel supply constraints intensify.
Regional Highlights
Airlines in the Asia-Pacific region reported demand growth of 11.5%, with a load factor of 91.2%, supported by seasonal travel and new routes. European carriers recorded a 7.7% increase in demand, with traffic between Europe and Asia rising by 29.3% as airlines expand direct connections. North American carriers reported growth of 3.7%, while Latin American and African airlines saw increases of 12.1% and 19.2%, respectively.
Domestic Markets And Global Resilience
Domestic markets continued to support overall performance, with revenue passenger kilometres rising by 6.5% in several major economies. China and Brazil recorded double-digit growth, while India saw a decline linked to reduced feeder connectivity with the Middle East. As the summer travel season approaches, demand trends remain positive in several regions, while fuel costs and geopolitical developments continue to influence market conditions.
