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Regional airlines association reports international passenger numbers grow in September after five months of declines
October 30th 2026
Preliminary September 2026 traffic figures released by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed that international passenger numbers edged up from a year earlier, following five consecutive months of year-on-year declines. Read More » AAPA noted that performance remained uneven across markets, with capacity reductions lowering passenger traffic on some routes, while longer-haul markets continued to grow, partly as passengers chose routings that avoided Middle East hubs.
For the month, Asia Pacific airlines carried 30.4 million international passengers, a marginal 0.7% increase year on year. Demand (RPK) accelerated 5.9%, and capacity (ASK) expanded 6.8%. The international passenger load factor declined 0.6 ppt to 80.2% for the month.
Meanwhile, air cargo markets benefited from stronger global manufacturing activity, increased purchases of raw materials and components, and sustained demand for AI-related goods. International air cargo demand (FTK) grew by a firm 6.4% year-on-year, outpacing the 4.9% expansion in offered freight capacity. The average international freight load factor rose by 0.8 ppt to 60.3% for the month.
“September saw passenger numbers increase slightly compared to a year earlier, with stronger growth in longer-haul travel, while air cargo demand gained momentum. Overall, during the first nine months of the year, Asia Pacific airlines carried 289.5 million international passengers, 1.9% more than in the same period last year. International air cargo demand rose by 5.6% over the same period,” said Wong Hong, Director General of AAPA. “The latest results highlight the resilience of demand amid a difficult operating environment. Passenger markets continued to adjust to changes in capacity and travel patterns, while stronger manufacturing activity and demand for AI-related goods supported cargo flows. Nevertheless, elevated jet fuel prices, airspace restrictions and weaker Asian currencies continue to put pressure on operating costs and profitability,” he added.
“Year-end holiday travel should lend support to passenger demand, while continued investment in AI infrastructure and associated trade flows bode well for air cargo markets. However, higher travel and shipping costs could temper growth, while geopolitical tensions and changes in trade policies remain key uncertainties,” said Wong Hong.
