October 02, 2026
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for August 2026 global passenger demand:
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) total global passenger demand in August, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was down 0.8% compared to August 2025. Excluding the Middle East, demand grew by 0.6%.
Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), increased 0.3% year-on-year. The load factor was 85.1% (-0.9 ppt compared to August 2025).
International demand fell 0.9% compared to August 2025. Excluding the Middle East, demand grew by 1.3%. Capacity was flat (0.0%) year-on-year, and the load factor was 85.0% (-0.8 ppt compared to August 2025).
Domestic demand fell 0.5% compared to August 2025. Capacity increased 0.7% year-on-year. The load factor was 85.3% (-1.1 ppt during the same reference period).
"Excluding the Middle East carriers, demand for air travel grew by 0.6% year-on-year in August, half the pace seen in July. With some important exceptions such as domestic China, global connectivity was generally weaker in August. The coming months will reveal whether travelers, whose purchasing power has been reduced by higher energy prices, are adjusting their travel budgets, and might be discouraged from traveling due to the prevailing geopolitical instability. In the meantime, forward schedules for October are showing cautious optimism with 2.0% growth in available seats," said Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA's Senior Vice President Sustainability, and Chief Economist.
Source: IATA