Airlines Set for Record $41B Profit in 2026, IATA Says

• Global airline industry projected to achieve a record $41 billion net profit in 2026, up from $39.5 billion expected in 2025, according to IATA.
• Total industry revenues are forecast to reach $1.053 trillion in 2026, with a 3.9% net profit margin and a record 83.8% passenger load factor.
• Passenger numbers are expected to hit 5.2 billion in 2026, with India and China driving demand in the Asia Pacific region.
• The industry continues to face challenges including persistent supply chain issues, delayed aircraft deliveries, and geopolitical uncertainties.
• Air cargo volumes are set to rise to 71.6 million tonnes in 2026, boosted by e-commerce and AI-related semiconductor shipments.

Why It Matters: Record airline profits in 2026 show industry resilience and economic health.