According to IATA, traffic measured in revenue passenger-kilometres (RPK) increased by 0.2% in July compared with July 2025, setting a record for that month despite rising fuel prices.
Data published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) show that in July global air traffic, measured in revenue passenger-kilometres (RPK), rose 0.2% compared with July 2025, which was already a record for that month.
Key figures
- July 2026: RPK up 0.2% versus July 2025.
- August 2025: all-time monthly record (summer months are traditionally the busiest).
- August 2026: capacity was higher, leaving open the possibility of breaking the August 2025 record.
- Asia–Europe traffic: +12.1% year-on-year.
- Domestic traffic in China: +5.3% year-on-year.
- Transatlantic traffic: -2.2% year-on-year.
Factors and commentary
IATA Chief Economist Marie Owens Thomsen highlighted that “the summer peak season in the northern hemisphere presents a broadly positive picture for air transport.” She noted that July’s growth was achieved despite year-on-year declines for carriers in North America and the Middle East taken as a whole, and despite high fuel prices, economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions.
Economic success, ecological disaster
Source: franceinfo