Asia Pacific airlines return to passenger growth in September

International passenger numbers at Asia Pacific airlines rose slightly in September 2026, ending five consecutive months of year-on-year declines. According to preliminary figures released by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) on 29 October 2026, member carriers flew 30.4 million international passengers, up 0.7% on a year earlier. AeroTime and Travel Daily Media both report the figures.

Passenger demand and capacity

Performance varied widely by market, AeroTime reports. Capacity cuts reduced traffic on some routes, while longer-haul markets kept growing. AAPA said part of that growth came from passengers choosing routings that avoid Middle East hubs.

Demand measured in revenue passenger kilometres, which accounts for distance flown, rose 5.9%. Seat capacity grew faster, by 6.8%, so the average international load factor slipped 0.6 percentage points to 80.2%, according to AeroTime.

Over the first nine months of 2026, the region's airlines carried 289.5 million international passengers, up 1.9% on the same period of 2025.

Cargo gains momentum

Air cargo had a stronger month. International demand, measured in freight tonne kilometres, rose 6.4% year on year, ahead of a 4.9% increase in capacity. The average international freight load factor rose 0.8 percentage points to 60.3%. AAPA attributed this to stronger global manufacturing, purchases of raw materials and components, and continued demand for AI-related goods. International cargo demand is up 5.6% over the first nine months of the year.

Cost pressures and outlook

AAPA Director General Wong Hong said the figures show "the resilience of demand amid a difficult operating environment", according to AeroTime. He warned that high jet fuel prices, airspace restrictions and weaker Asian currencies continue to weigh on airline costs and profitability.

Looking ahead, Wong expects year-end holiday travel to support passenger demand and AI infrastructure investment to keep cargo flows strong. He cautioned that higher travel and shipping costs could temper growth, and that geopolitical tensions and trade policy changes remain key uncertainties.

What this means for travellers

The sources do not discuss fares or specific route changes, so the direct effect on ticket prices is not yet known. Several points are relevant for people planning trips:

• Seat capacity is growing faster than demand, which has lowered load factors slightly. That can leave airlines more room to fill seats, though the sources do not say whether fares will fall.
• Longer-haul travel is growing, partly because some passengers avoid Middle East hubs, so routings between Asia Pacific and other regions may stay busy.
• AAPA expects year-end holiday travel to support demand, so popular dates may remain in demand.
• Airlines face high fuel costs, airspace restrictions and weaker currencies, and AAPA warns that higher travel costs could temper growth.

Sources: AeroTime; Travel Daily Media.