Global Air Passenger Demand Drops 2.2% Amid Crisis

In May 2026, global air passenger demand decreased by 2.2% compared to the same month in the previous year, largely attributed to the crisis in the Middle East, which disrupted both domestic and international flights. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that while global demand fell, African airlines experienced an 8.9% year-on-year increase in demand, with capacity rising by 8.3% and a load factor of 73.4%.

Excluding the Middle East, global demand actually grew by 0.7%. International passenger demand fell by 1.6%, but excluding the Middle East, it increased by 3.1%.

The Middle East saw a significant decline in demand, dropping by 28.4% year-on-year. Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General, indicated that the Middle East aviation market contributes approximately 6-10% of global international air travel.

The report also noted that high fuel prices and the ongoing conflict in the region continue to challenge airlines' operational margins.