European aviation continued its growth into 2026 amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions and market volatility. Data from industry bodies show passenger traffic increased by 3.8% in March, with some airports, particularly in the EU+, posting over 4% growth. Despite disruptions from conflicts in the Middle East, demand for air travel demonstrated significant resilience, with rerouting and alternative connectivity helping to maintain positive traffic trends.
Airlines experienced notable growth, with passenger numbers rising by 7.5% in March and load factors improving to over 81%. Major hubs like London Heathrow and Istanbul Airport recorded strong growth, maintaining their positions as significant European air traffic centers. Overall, the industry remains cautious about the outlook beyond the summer, citing potential fuel shortages and geopolitical developments as key risk factors that could impact future growth.
