Air transport in transition: 2026 industry outlook

The airline industry enters 2026 with resilient demand and expanding global connectivity. Capacity constraints and supply chain pressures continue to challenge the growth, but a strong passenger market, healthy premium travel, and robust demand for transporting high-value, time-sensitive goods underpin a positive near-term outlook. At the same time, sustainability targets and fragmented regulation require strategic adaptation. This keynote provides IATA’s outlook on the aviation industry and the opportunities and challenges emerging as the sector navigates a rapidly evolving global environment.