June 1, 2026
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) data, total global passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK) in April was down -3.4% compared to April 2025. Middle Eastern carriers saw a 48.1% year-on-year decrease in demand. Excluding the Middle East, demand increased by 1.2%.
Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), decreased -2.9% year-on-year. The load factor was 83.1% (-0.4 ppt compared to April 2025).
International demand fell -5.3% compared to April 2025. Excluding Middle East, demand grew by 1.9%. Capacity was down -5.1% year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.9% (-0.2 ppt compared to April 2025).
Domestic demand was flat compared to April 2025. Capacity increased 0.8% year-on-year. The load factor was 81.9% (-0.7 ppt compared to April 2025).
"The fall in demand for carriers in the Middle East due to war in the region was so acute that it dragged overall demand down -3.4%. The situation for air transport remains highly volatile. The cost of jet fuel more than doubled in April, which is pushing airfares up. Forward schedule data is showing a reduced offering in the coming months, indicating that airlines are balancing high fuel costs and weaker demand." said Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General.
Source: IATA