Global air travel demand declines as Middle East traffic slumps

International

Worldwide passenger demand fell by 1.7 percent in June, with Middle Eastern airlines recording a decline of almost 14 percent

Global air passenger demand decreased by 1.7 percent year on year in June, according to figures from the International Air Transport Association. The downturn was driven primarily by a sharp contraction in Middle Eastern traffic and weaker domestic demand in China, the United States and Japan.

Airline capacity, measured in available seat kilometres, fell by 1.3 percent. The global passenger load factor declined by 0.4 percentage points to 84.2 percent. Excluding the Middle East, worldwide demand was down by a more moderate 0.6 percent.

International and domestic traffic both weaken

International passenger demand fell by 0.9 percent compared with June 2025. Without the Middle East, however, international traffic would have increased by 1.1 percent. International capacity declined by 0.6 percent, while the load factor eased to 84.2 percent.

Domestic demand contracted more sharply, falling by three percent. Capacity on domestic routes decreased by 2.4 percent, and the load factor slipped to 84 percent.

“Global demand for air travel was down 1.7% in June compared to 2025,” said IATA Director General Willie Walsh.

Middle East records steepest decline

Middle Eastern airlines posted the weakest regional performance. International demand fell by almost 14 percent, while capacity declined by 11 percent. The region’s load factor dropped by 2.6 percentage points to 76.3 percent.

IATA said the war involving Iran continued to weigh heavily on regional traffic. The pace of decline had nevertheless halved since April as airline operations gradually returned to normal.

Walsh warned that renewed tensions and higher fuel prices could delay the recovery and contribute to higher airfares.

Europe-Asia traffic grows strongly

European airlines increased international passenger demand by 1.5 percent. Traffic on routes between Europe and Asia rose by 11 percent, representing the strongest growth among the major international markets.

Asia-Pacific carriers recorded a 0.4 percent increase in demand despite reducing capacity by 1.1 percent. According to IATA, higher fuel prices prompted some airlines to cut short-haul services within Asia.

African airlines achieved the strongest regional growth, with demand rising by 6.7 percent. Latin American carriers followed with an increase of 3.5 percent.

North American airlines reported a one percent decline in international passenger demand, while their capacity fell by 0.7 percent.