Asia-Pacific airlines reported a solid start to 2026, with both passenger and cargo demand continuing to grow despite rising costs and geopolitical uncertainty.
Preliminary January data from the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines showed international passenger traffic rising 3.6% year-on-year to 35.5 million, with demand measured in revenue passenger kilometres up 3.3%.
Cargo markets also remained firm, with freight tonne kilometres increasing 5.9% year-on-year, supported by continued strength in global trade flows.
AAPA said the year had begun on a “positive footing” for regional carriers, although it cautioned that airlines continue to face uncertainty from geopolitical developments, competitive pressures and elevated cost levels.