May 29, 2026
Asia Pacific Airlines passenger and cargo markets hold firm despite global uncertainties
Preliminary April 2026 traffic figures released by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed stable international passenger demand, with growth moderating amid heightened geopolitical and economic uncertainties.
Asia Pacific airlines flew an aggregate total of 32.4 million international passengers in April, broadly unchanged compared to the same month last year. In revenue passenger kilometre (RPK) terms, demand nevertheless increased by 3.3% year-on-year, reflecting relatively firmer traffic on longer-haul routes.
Meanwhile, the conflict in the Middle East resulted in supply chain disruptions and higher prices for goods, prompting accelerated stockpiling activity as businesses and consumers sought to secure products ahead of further cost increases.
This, in turn, lent support to air cargo market growth. International air cargo demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), increased by 4.1% year-on-year in April. Offered freight capacity expanded by 4.4%, resulting in a 0.2 percentage point decline in the average international freight load factor to 60.5% for the month.
Source: AAPA