KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: Asia-Pacific airlines recorded a marginal increase in international passenger numbers in September 2026, ending five consecutive months of year-on-year declines, while air cargo demand strengthened amid rising manufacturing activity and sustained demand for artificial intelligence (AI)-related goods.

Preliminary figures released by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed that member airlines carried 30.4 million international passengers during the month, up 0.7% from September last year.

International passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), rose 5.9% year-on-year, while available seat capacity increased by 6.8%. The faster expansion in capacity resulted in the average international passenger load factor falling by 0.6 percentage points to 80.2%.

Passenger performance remained uneven across markets, with capacity reductions weighing on traffic on certain routes. Longer-haul markets continued to record growth, partly supported by travellers opting for alternative routes that bypassed Middle East hubs.

Meanwhile, international air cargo markets gained momentum, with demand measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK) increasing 6.4% year-on-year. Growth outpaced the 4.9% expansion in available freight capacity, lifting the average international freight load factor by 0.8 percentage points to 60.3%.

AAPA Director General Wong Hong said September’s results reflected a slight recovery in passenger numbers alongside stronger air cargo demand.

For the first nine months of 2026, Asia-Pacific airlines carried 289.5 million international passengers, representing a 1.9% increase from the corresponding period last year. International air cargo demand grew by 5.6% over the same period.

Wong said the latest figures demonstrated the resilience of air travel and cargo demand despite a challenging operating environment. Passenger markets continued to adjust to changing capacity levels and travel patterns, while stronger manufacturing activity and demand for AI-related goods supported cargo volumes.

However, elevated jet fuel prices, airspace restrictions and weaker Asian currencies continued to put pressure on airline operating costs and profitability.

Looking ahead, AAPA expects year-end holiday travel to support passenger demand, while continued investment in AI infrastructure and related trade flows could sustain growth in air cargo markets.

Wong cautioned that higher travel and shipping costs could moderate growth, with geopolitical tensions and changes in trade policies remaining key uncertainties for the aviation industry.