Middle East conflict reduces global air travel demand by 2.2%

Business jet departures in the Middle East fell about 30 % between Feb 28 and Jun 28, 2026, dropping from 21,529 to 15,171 take‑offs, according to Wingx data. Analyst Nick Koscinski said, “I would be shocked if we saw anything different while the war goes on.”

The International Air Transport Association reported that global air‑passenger demand slipped 2.2 % year‑on‑year in May 2026, with the sharpest drop in the Middle East where traffic fell 28.4 % (an improvement from a 46.6 % decline in April). IATA director Willie Walsh noted, “Air passenger demand was down 2.2 % year‑on‑year in May on the impact of war in the Middle East.” Outside the region, international demand rose 3.1 % and domestic demand fell 0.8 %.

Regional growth was seen in Europe (+3.8 % international demand), Latin America (+10.5 %), Africa (+8.9 %) and modest gains in Asia‑Pacific. Airlines continue to operate on thin margins of about 2 % and face pressure from elevated fuel costs despite recent oil‑price declines.