Trade wars, geopolitical conflicts, global warming (and the shame of flying that it sometimes generates) seem to have no influence on airline activity. In 2026, they should generate a record net profit of 41 billion dollars (around 35.2 billion euros), according to forecasts, published Tuesday, December 9, by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
This new peak comes after the 2025 record ($39.5 billion). An increase driven by the growth in turnover of the sector which now exceeds 1,053 billion dollars, compared to 1,008 billion a year earlier.
It must be said that there have never been so many people on planes. Global passenger traffic is expected to increase by a further 4.4% in 2026, with more than 5.2 billion passengers. Enough to increase the occupancy rate to almost 84% (83.8%).
For Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, the good health of air transport can also be explained by the renewed activity in freight. “The resilience of air cargo has been particularly impressive”world trade “adapting to American protectionism”. In 2026, IATA predicts that aircraft holds will be filled with 71.6 million tonnes of goods (+2.4% compared to 2025).
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