Passenger Demand Rises in March as Air Cargo Weakens
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released global passenger and air cargo data for March 2026. The figures indicate modest growth in passenger traffic, while revealing a pronounced contraction in the air cargo market.
According to IATA data, global passenger demand in March 2026 increased by 2.1% year-on-year, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPK). Over the same period, total capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometres (ASK), declined by 1.7%, while the load factor rose to 83.6%.
Regional Divergence Stands Out in International Passenger Traffic
IATA data show that international passenger demand declined by 0.6% year-on-year, while capacity fell by 6.2%. Despite this, the international load factor increased to 84.1%. The decline in international traffic was largely driven by a drop of more than 60% in passenger traffic among Middle East–based airlines.
Domestic passenger traffic, on the other hand, delivered a stronger performance in March. Domestic passenger demand increased by 6.5% year-on-year, while capacity rose by 5.6%. The load factor stood at 83%. China and Brazil led domestic demand with double‑digit growth, while increases were also recorded in the domestic markets of Australia, Japan, and the United States. India’s domestic market, however, saw a slight decline due to reduced Middle East–connected transfer flights.
Despite the overall increase in March, notable regional differences emerged. On a regional basis, Asia‑Pacific airlines recorded the strongest growth in passenger demand at 11.5%. Passenger demand increased by 7.7% in Europe, 3.7% in North America, 12.1% in Latin America, and 19.2% in Africa. In contrast, the Middle East experienced the sharpest decline in passenger demand, making it the weakest-performing region.
Air Cargo Demand Fell by 4.8% in March
The air cargo market, meanwhile, presented a negative picture in March. Global air cargo demand declined by 4.8% year-on-year, measured in Cargo Tonne‑Kilometres (CTK). The decline in international cargo operations was even steeper at 5.5%. During the same period, cargo capacity decreased by 4.7%.
Similar to the passenger market, the cargo market also showed regional disparities in March. Africa and Asia‑Pacific recorded growth of 7.0% and 5.4% respectively, while demand in Europe increased by 2.2%. By contrast, North America experienced a modest 1.2% decline, and Middle East–based carriers posted the weakest performance, with cargo demand falling by more than 54%.
By trade lane, growth continued on Africa–Asia and Europe–Asia routes, while sharp contractions were observed on Middle East–connected corridors. IATA emphasized that air cargo networks have continued to provide flexibility to global supply chains amid geopolitical and operational pressures, but warned that fuel supply and cost risks may test the sector’s resilience in the period ahead.
Looking ahead, IATA Director General Willie Walsh, commenting on the March results, stated that the summer season is expected to be generally busy, but stressed that jet fuel supply and prices remain a critical risk factor for the industry.
Popular News
.png)
