Asia Pacific airlines end five-month passenger decline as cargo demand climbs

International passenger numbers at Asia Pacific airlines rose slightly in September 2026, ending five consecutive months of year-on-year declines, while air cargo demand picked up pace.

According to preliminary figures released by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) on October 29, 2026, the region’s carriers flew 30.4 million international passengers during the month, up 0.7% from a year earlier.

Performance varied widely across markets. Capacity cuts led to lower traffic on some routes, while longer-haul markets kept growing. AAPA said this growth was partly driven by passengers choosing routings that avoided Middle East hubs.

Passenger demand measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), which accounts for the distance flown, rose 5.9%. Seat capacity grew faster, at 6.8%, so the average international load factor slipped by 0.6 percentage points to 80.2%.

Cargo gains momentum

Air cargo had a stronger month. International demand, measured in freight tonne kilometers (FTK), rose 6.4% year-on-year, ahead of a 4.9% increase in freight capacity. As a result, the average international freight load factor rose by 0.8 percentage points to 60.3%.

AAPA attributed the growth to stronger global manufacturing, increased purchases of raw materials and components, and continued demand for AI-related goods.

“September saw passenger numbers increase slightly compared to a year earlier, with stronger growth in longer-haul travel, while air cargo demand gained momentum,” said Wong Hong, Director General of AAPA.

Over the first nine months of 2026, the region’s airlines carried 289.5 million international passengers, up 1.9% on the same period in 2025. International air cargo demand grew 5.6% over the same period.

Costs remain a concern

Wong said the results show “the resilience of demand amid a difficult operating environment,” but warned that high jet fuel prices, airspace restrictions and weaker Asian currencies continue to weigh on airlines’ costs and profitability.

Looking ahead, he expects year-end holiday travel to support passenger demand, and continued investment in AI infrastructure to keep cargo flows strong.

“However, higher travel and shipping costs could temper growth, while geopolitical tensions and changes in trade policies remain key uncertainties,” Wong said.

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