The global offer 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 situation until now
The estimated growth of the offer compared to March 2025 “has softened to 3.3%, against a previous forecast of over 5%,” said Director General Willie Walsh, in a press release from the International Air Transport Association.
The Iata released its February figures on Tuesday, before 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 more than 360 airlines that are members of the Iata were benefiting from a favorable situation.
81.4% occupancy in February
The occupancy rate of their flights was “the highest ever recorded for a February”, at 81.4%, 0.3 points higher than in February 2025. Demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 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 the outlook for airlines,” Mr. Walsh estimated. “Fuel costs have sharply increased. With constrained capacities and low 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.
