Overview
- Global passenger demand rose 3.8% year over year in January, with a record January load factor of 82.0% as international traffic increased 5.9% and domestic demand was nearly flat.
- Air cargo demand grew 5.6% with capacity up 3.6%, led by faster growth in Africa, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and Europe, while carriers in the Americas posted contractions.
- African airlines recorded the strongest regional gains, with passenger traffic up 11.7% and cargo volumes up 18.2%, reinforcing restored long‑haul connectivity.
- IATA said schedules indicate a 5.2% increase in global seat capacity by March 2026, which would be the fastest expansion since April 2024.
- IATA noted that Lunar New Year timing softened January comparisons and warned that renewed Middle East hostilities and evolving US trade policies could affect traffic, fuel costs and supply chains.