According to IATA’s February 2026 data, global passenger demand increased by 6.1%. While the load factor rose to 81.4%, growth continued in both international and domestic markets.
Increase in Global Passenger Demand
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has published global passenger demand data for February 2026. According to the data, total demand measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) increased by 6.1% compared to February 2025.
During the same period, capacity (ASK) increased by 5.6%, while the global load factor reached 81.4%. This figure stands out as the highest load factor recorded for the month of February.
International Traffic and Capacity Development
International passenger demand increased by 5.9% on an annual basis. Capacity rose by 5.3%, while the load factor on international routes was recorded at 80.5%.
In regional distribution, particularly high traffic was observed in the Asia-Pacific and Europe regions, while the overall performance of international flights supported global growth.
Strong Performance in the Domestic Market
Domestic passenger demand increased by 6.3%, while capacity grew by 6.2%. The load factor on domestic routes remained stable at 82.8%.
Rising demand in major markets such as Brazil and China was among the main factors supporting domestic growth.
IATA Assessment: Uncertainties and Costs
IATA Director General Willie Walsh stated that February was strong but global uncertainties are affecting the sector. Walsh emphasized that the impact of developments in the Middle East on airline expectations is not yet clear.
Highlighting rising fuel costs, Walsh noted that capacity constraints and low margins are putting upward pressure on ticket prices. It was also stated that capacity planning on routes focused on the Middle East has been revised.
Regional Performances Drew Attention
According to February 2026 data, notable developments in some regions are as follows:
- Asia-Pacific: Demand increased by 9.1%, with a load factor of 85.5%.
- Europe: Demand rose by 4.9%, with a load factor of 76.9%.
- North America: Demand increased by 2.8%, with a load factor of 80.3%.
- Latin America: Strong performance with a 9.2% increase in demand and an 84.0% load factor.
- Middle East: Demand showed limited growth, while the load factor declined.
- Africa: Although demand increased by 11.9%, a decline in the load factor was observed.
In international traffic, the increase on the Asia–Europe route was particularly notable, while the Lunar New Year period also supported demand.
Country-Based Trends in Domestic Markets
Strong growth stood out in some countries’ domestic markets:
- China: 12.5% increase in demand
- Brazil: 12.6% increase in demand
- India: Limited growth (0.6%)
- USA: 1.5% increase
- Japan: 0.8% increase
- Australia: 1.1% decrease
Load factors generally remained at high levels, while India reached one of the highest domestic load factors at 89.1%.
The February 2026 data shows that demand growth continues in the global aviation sector, while capacity management, cost pressures, and regional geopolitical developments remain decisive factors for the industry.
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