The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported a 6.1% year-on-year increase in global air passenger demand for February 2026, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK). This growth occurred as an outbreak of war in the Middle East at month-end drove sharp rises in fuel costs.
February’s performance follows January’s 3.8% RPK growth compared to January 2025, where total capacity in available seat kilometers (ASK) rose 3.5% and the load factor hit a record 82.0% for the month. International demand in January climbed 5.9%, with ASK up 5.8% and load factor at 82.5%. Domestic demand edged up 0.1%, despite a 0.4% ASK decline, yielding an 81.2% load factor.
Regional variations in January showed Middle Eastern carriers leading with 7.2% RPK growth against 7.8% ASK expansion, for an 83.2% load factor. European airlines posted 6.3% demand gains with 5.7% capacity increases and 79.4% load factor. North American demand rose 3.4% over 2.6% capacity, reaching 82.3%. Latin American carriers surged 11.4% in demand versus 8.9% capacity for 86.5% load factor. African airlines grew 11.7% demand against 10.1% capacity at 77.4% load factor. Asia-Pacific demand increased 4.4% with 5.2% capacity and 85.9% load factor.
January’s softer growth stemmed from Lunar New Year shifting to February from 2025, skewing comparisons. Global scheduled seats for February project 5.2% year-on-year growth, the fastest since April 2024. IATA statistics cover scheduled traffic for member and non-member airlines.