The world’s leading airlines had record-high results for the top 20 carriers in 2025, with combined revenue of just under $600 billion, 8% more than 2024.
Aviation has always been a political industry, and it has only gotten worse. For IATA, it makes choosing its next director general even more of a balancing act.
European aviation continued to expand through the first quarter of 2026, but the industry is entering the peak summer season facing mounting uncertainty.
When costs rise, airlines protect their strongest routes, preserve aircraft utilization and cut their weakest links, which is where regional airports become exposed.
Fuel suppliers, airlines, airports and governments should coordinate more closely so they are better aware of oil shortages in time to make alternative plans.
IATA hopes for widespread adoption of contactless travel to be achieved within five years, although that timeline depends on government and regulatory acceptance.
IATA says the Middle East conflict and resulting disruption to crude and jet fuel supply could force governments to reassess energy security strategies.
IATA Director General Willie Walsh says the oil price shock stemming from the Middle East conflict is not an “existential threat” to the airline industry.
With IATA DG Willie Walsh set to lead IndiGo in August, Carbon Analysis looks at the LCC's efficiency tracked against its passenger operations average since 2019.
By Helen Massy-Beresford, Christine Boynton, Jens Flottau, Lori Ranson, Adrian Schofield
Global airlines consider capacity cuts, increased ticket prices and fuel surcharges to manage the short-term spike and long-term uncertainty caused by the war.
Willie Walsh has broken a tradition. By accepting an offer to be the next CEO of IndiGo, he is the first IATA director general to return to airline management.
The 2026 Changi Aviation Summit in Singapore brought together more than 350 industry and government leaders to discuss global air travel in a disruptive world.
High oil prices and constraints on jet fuel refining in the Middle East will cause an “inevitable” increase in air ticket prices, IATA DG Willie Walsh says.
