by Donald Wood
Last updated: 8:25 AM ET, Fri October 30, 2026
Global air passenger demand declined for the second
consecutive month in September, with weaker performance in the Middle East and
North America weighing on the airline industry.
According to new data from the International Air Transport
Association (IATA), worldwide passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger
kilometers, fell 0.5% compared to September 2025. The decline followed a 0.8%
drop in August.
North American airlines recorded flat passenger demand year
over year, while capacity declined 1.9%. Domestic U.S. demand fell 2.7%,
highlighting continued weakness in one of the world’s largest aviation markets.
The Middle East experienced the largest regional decline,
with passenger demand dropping 8%, while African airlines led regional growth
with a 5% increase, followed by Latin America and the Caribbean at 4.3%.
International passenger demand increased 0.4% globally,
while domestic demand declined 2.2%. IATA expects scheduled airline seat
capacity to remain above 2025 levels in October and November, although growth
remains uneven.
Geopolitical uncertainty and volatile fuel prices continue
to challenge airlines, with the industry facing another uncertain stretch
heading into the final months of 2026.
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