The International Air Transport Association has projected that global airlines will post a combined net profit of $41bn in 2026, up from $39.5bn in 2025, indicating a stabilisation of profitability despite lingering supply chain challenges.

In its latest financial report, the association said the projected figure would set a new industry record, although the net profit margin is expected to remain unchanged at 3.9 per cent. Net profit per passenger is forecast at $7.90, below the 2023 high of $8.50 and unchanged from 2025. Operating profit is expected to rise to $72.8bn in 2026, from $67.0bn in 2025, translating to a net operating margin of 6.9 per cent, compared with the 6.6 per cent projected for 2025.

IATA further projected that total industry revenues would reach $1.053tn in 2026, representing a 4.5 per cent increase over the $1.008tn expected in 2025.

Load factors are forecast to hit record highs, with airlines expected to fill 83.8 per cent of all seats in 2026, while passenger numbers are projected to rise to 5.2 billion, up 4.4 per cent from 2025.

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