Kuala lumpur: The West Asia conflict has resulted in a 3.4 percent decrease in global air passenger demand, as measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), for April 2026, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This decline reflects the impact of ongoing regional tensions on the aviation industry.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the data from IATA showed a contrasting trend when excluding the Middle East market, where demand actually rose by 1.2 percent year-on-year during the month. The report further noted that total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), saw a 2.9 percent year-on-year decrease, with the load factor dropping to 83.1 percent, marking a 0.4 percentage point decrease compared to April 2025.

The international segment of air travel was particularly affected, with demand falling by 5.3 percent year-on-year in April 2026. However, excluding the Middle East, international demand grew by 1.9 percent. Capacity for international travel decreased by 5.1 percent year-on-year, and the load factor was slightly lower at 83.9 percent, a 0.2 percentage point drop from the previous year.

Domestically, demand remained flat compared to April 2025, while capacity increased by 0.8 percent year-on-year. The domestic load factor was reported at 81.9 percent, down 0.7 percentage points from the same period last year.

IATA Director General Willie Walsh highlighted the severe impact on Middle Eastern carriers, with a dramatic 46.6 percent decline in demand due to the regional conflict. This significant drop in the Middle East's air travel demand was a crucial factor in the overall 3.4 percent global decline observed in April 2026.

Walsh also pointed to the volatility in the air transport sector, noting that the cost of jet fuel had more than doubled in April, contributing to increased airfares. He mentioned that forward schedule data indicates airlines are reducing offerings in the coming months to manage the high fuel costs and decreased demand.