The International Air Transport Association has projected that global airline profitability will decline sharply in 2026, citing war-related disruptions in the Middle East and rising jet fuel prices as key factors behind the downturn.
According to IATA’s latest outlook, airlines are expected to post a combined net profit of $23bn in 2026, nearly half of the $45bn estimated for 2025 and significantly below the earlier projection of $41bn for the year.
The association also noted that carriers in the Middle East are likely to slip into losses due to weak demand and operational disruptions, while airlines in other regions are expected to remain profitable, albeit at reduced levels.
Speaking on the outlook, IATA Director General Willie Walsh said, “War-related disruptions in the Middle East and rising fuel costs have shifted the outlook for airlines to the worst. Globally, airlines are expected to see profitability halve compared to 2025. Profits will
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