The global air travel offer remained on the rise in March, despite disruptions caused by the war in the Middle East, the sector organization (Iata) said on Tuesday.
A favorable situation up to now
The estimated growth in supply compared to March 2025 “has softened to 3.3%, against a previous forecast of over 5%,” said director General Willie Walsh in a statement from the International Air Transport Association.
Iata released its February figures on Tuesday, which were prior to the start of this war triggered on the last day of the month by attacks from the United States and Israel against Iran. They show that until that date, the over 360 airlines that are Iata members were benefitting from a favorable situation.
81.4% load factor in February
The load factor of their flights was “the highest ever recorded for a February,” at 81.4%, 0.3 points better than in February 2025. The demand, measured in revenue passenger-kilometers (RPK), was up by 6.1% year-on-year.
“Without knowing the duration and intensity of the war in the Middle East, it is impossible to quantify the full impact it will have on airlines’ prospects,” Mr. Walsh estimated. “Fuel costs have increased significantly. With constrained capacities and slim margins, ticket prices are already rising. Capacity deployment is also adjusting, especially for traffic to, from, or via the Middle East, or in regions where jet fuel supply is problematic,” he added.
