Global Air Travel Demand Falls Almost 2%, as Middle East Conflict Takes its Toll

Global air travel demand fell by 1.7%, year-on-year, in June - driven by slowdowns in major markets and the lasting effect of the Middle East conflict on consumer confidence - latest month data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shows.

Outgoing IATA Director General, Willie Walsh, said: “Global demand for air travel was down 1.7% in June compared to 2025. This is largely due to domestic market declines in China, the US, and Japan, and weak but improving international demand for Middle East carriers. While Middle East performance improved, renewed tensions will not help the region’s recovery and the knock-on impact of rising fuel prices will continue to burden travellers with higher airfares.

"People continue to travel, which is an important contributor to global economic growth. There is no doubt, however, that stabilising the situation in the Middle East and normalising oil supplies would improve prospects for airlines, economies, and societies the world over.”