Airports Council International (ACI) World has reported a significant slowdown in the growth of global air passenger traffic during the first half of 2026. With an estimated 4.7 billion passengers passing through airports worldwide, the increase of 0.6% over the previous year marks a notable deceleration from the rapid growth seen in 2025, when traffic rose 4.3% to nearly 9.8 billion passengers.
The organization cited geopolitical tensions, airspace disruptions, and rising costs as key factors reshaping the industry's near-term prospects. While passenger numbers in North America remained flat compared to 2025, the Middle East experienced a sharp decline of 21%, driven by regional crises including the Iran war and airspace issues.
Despite these challenges, 2025 saw robust growth across most regions, with Africa leading at 9%, followed by the Middle East at 6.5%, Asia-Pacific at 5.1%, Latin America and the Caribbean at 4.5%, and Europe at 4.2%. Conversely, North America encountered a slight decline. The year concluded with a 6.1% increase in international passenger traffic and a 1.7% rise in domestic travel.
ACI World’s Director General, Justin Erbacci, emphasized the industry's long-term resilience, noting that rising populations, incomes, and connectivity continue to support future demand. However, the organization acknowledged near-term volatility that could influence recovery and growth trajectories.
