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Asia-Pacific international passengers flown increased 9% in February
March 31st 2026
Asia-Pacific carriers flew 32.97 million customers on their international networks last month, compared with 30.2 million air travellers in February last year. Read More » For the first two months of 2026, the region’s airlines carried 6.3% more passengers year-on-year, at 68.83 million, the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) said. The two-month figure takes into account the Lunar New Year occurring in February this year and January last year. Despite the robust start to the year, AAPA director-general, Subhas Menon, said rising geopolitical tensions in the Gulf, following the Israel and U.S.-led war against Iran, had introduced "greater uncertainty" to the operating environment. "Asian airlines are facing increased operational challenges, as the rise in conflicts has reduced the availability of airspace, particularly along key Asia - Europe corridors, effectively constraining capacity on these routes and limiting network flexibility for affected carriers," Menon said. "The broadly positive outlook for the airline industry will continue to be clouded by the evolving geopolitical situation. Close coordination between governments and industry stakeholders is critical to ensure the continued safe and efficient operation of air services, while maintaining global connectivity."
