The global supply of air travel remained on the rise in March, despite disruptions due to the war in the Middle East, the industry organization (Iata) said on Tuesday.
A favorable environment so far
The estimated growth of supply compared to March 2025 “was reduced 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, before the start of this war, triggered on the last day of the month by attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel. They show that until that date, the more than 360 airlines that are members of Iata were benefiting from a favorable environment.
81.4% load factor in February
The fill rate of their flights was “the highest ever recorded for a February”, at 81.4%, 0.3 points better than in February 2025. Demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up by 6.1% compared to the previous 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 the airlines’ prospects,” Mr. Walsh estimated. “Fuel costs have increased significantly. With constrained capacities and thin margins, ticket prices are already rising. Capacity deployment is also adjusting, especially for traffic to, from, or through the Middle East, or in regions where jet fuel supply is problematic,” he added.
