'Resilient' airlines head for record passenger numbers: IATA
International Air Transport Association forecasts 5.2 billion passengers in 2026 with $41 billion profit despite supply chain and geopolitical challenges, led by strong air freight.
- On Tuesday, IATA said international airlines expect to transport 5.2 billion passengers in 2026, following this year's forecast of 4.98 billion, up from 4.77 billion in 2024.
- IATA attributed the upgrade to stronger air freight performance despite US tariffs but warned growth is limited by aerospace supply chain bottlenecks and geopolitical conflict.
- Projected profits stand at 2025 profits , revised up from $36 billion, and 2026 profits , while aircraft availability problems cap growth.
- Regional spreads mean IATA projects Middle East-based airlines will earn about $10.90 per passenger, with Europe $9.80, North America $9.80, and Asia‑Pacific $3.20 next year.
- Carriers remain cautiously optimistic as airlines have successfully built shock-absorbing resilience into their businesses that is delivering stable profitability, IATA said.
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47 Articles
'Resilient' airlines head for record passenger numbers: IATA
International airlines expect to transport a record 5.2 billion passengers in 2026 despite global headwinds affecting the sector, the industry's trade association said on Tuesday.
Global airline industry to post record USD 41 billion profit in 2026, profit margin at 3.9 pc: International Air Transport Association.
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Global airlines to post record $41 billion profit in 2026, IATA says
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Airline profitability “stable”, IATA says, but burdens and headwinds remain
Airlines are expected to achieve record total net profits and exceed the previously predicted net operating margin for 2026, according to the latest financial outlook for global aviation from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). But the industry lobby group is at pains to emphasise that all is not as rosy as it seems for the sector, with net profit margins forecast not to rise year-on-year and return on invested capital (ROIC) low…
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