The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for July 2026 global passenger demand:

Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 0.2% compared to July 2025. Excluding the Middle East, demand grew by 1.2%. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), increased 0.3% year-on-year. The load factor was 85.2% (-0.1 ppt compared to July 2025).

International demand fell 0.1% compared to July 2025. Excluding the Middle East, demand grew by 1.5%. Capacity was up 0.3% year-on-year, and the load factor was 85.2% (-0.3 ppt compared to July 2025). 

Domestic demand grew 0.6% compared to July 2025. Capacity increased 0.2% year-on-year. The load factor was 85.3% (+0.3 ppt during the same reference period).

Regional Breakdown 

International RPK fell 0.1%, with capacity rising 0.3%. However, excluding the Middle East carriers, total demand rose 1.5%.

Domestic RPK grew 0.6% in July 2026 compared to the same month last year. China and Brazil all had strong growth, but the United States, Australia and India incurred decreases.