Airlines are going through a delicate moment. At least that is the conclusion of his employers, the International Air Transport Association (IATA). In the report presented last weekend in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), the companies claim that net profit in 2026 will be half that in 2025: of 41 billion dollars will be passed to 23 billion. His forecast for profit margin is from 2 percenthalf that in 2025 (4.2). The reason, the conflict of Middle East and the increase in the price of fuel.
A net profit of $4.5 per passenger
The report of the International Air Transport Association presented a very clarifying data. He net profit per passenger In the year 2026 it will be 4.5 dollars per person, very far from that of 2025 (9.10). “You can’t even buy a hot dog at most of the stands in the city.” FIFA World Cup and doesn’t leave much room for maneuver if other costs or taxes go up,” he said. Willie Walshgeneral director of the IATAin his speech.
The airline crisis.
Record in total passenger volume in 2026
“Airlines are being the most affected by the fuel price crisis. Even though airfares are rising, airlines continue to absorb some of the higher fuel prices in their bottom lines,” he added. Walsh. In this context, the occupation of the planes will continue to be high, according to its forecasts. With a 84 percentwill even be higher by half a point than in the previous year (83.5). He total passenger volume will grow: 5.1 billion2.4 percent more than in 2025.
Kerosene rises 70 percent
The situation is very delicate, according to IATA. “The results of all airlines are being affected by the dizzying rise in kerosene prices by up to 70 percent more. Part of the additional cost is being recovered through the price adjustment and the efficiency improvementbut it won’t be enough to maintain profitability at the level of the previous year. Smaller airlines that started the year with weak balance sheets are undoubtedly struggling,” he said. Walsh.
