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The International Air Transport Association (THERE IT IS) has published the data corresponding to March 2026, revealing a dual panorama for the airline industry.
While global passenger demand maintained slight growth, the escalation of the war conflict in the Middle East—which involves USA, Israel e Iran plus neighboring countries — has caused a drastic drop in the operations of connection centers (hubs) of the Gulf, affecting both the transport of people and goods.
The effects of the conflict are already being felt in March 2026
In the passenger sector, the total demand (measurement in RPK) increased a 2,1% compared to March 2025. Nevertheless, This figure hides a deep geographic division; outside the middle east, demand grew solid 8%, but the collapse of operations in the conflict region limited overall performance. The airlines in that area recorded a drop in 60,8% in international demand due to the closure of airspace and operational insecurity. As a response, a reconfiguration of routes has been observed, with an increase of 29,3% in traffic between Europe and Asia, as travelers opt for direct services to avoid traditional transit points.
The air cargo market felt the impact of the crisis more strongly. overall demand (measurement in CTK) descended a 4,8% Over the previous year, breaking the previous growth trend. Disruptions at Gulf hubs caused Middle East airlines to suffer a contraction in 54,3% in their cargo volumes. In addition to geopolitics, the sector faces a critical economic challenge: the price of aviation fuel (jet fuel) a shot was fired 106,6% compared to last year, which significantly increases operating costs.
Willie Walsh, CEO of THERE IT IS, noted that cargo networks are demonstrating the flexibility needed to adjust global supply chains, although he warned that fuel supply and prices will test the industry's resilience in the coming months. Despite this complex environment, regions like Africa and Asia-Pacific showed resilience in their domestic markets, and the summer season is expected to maintain high levels of activity, as long as energy logistics is stabilized.
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