The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), rose 3.8% year-on-year in January 2026, while capacity increased 3.5%. The load factor reached 82.0%, a record for January. Director General Willie Walsh said, “The timing of the Lunar New Year partly explains the slightly slower 3.8% expansion.”
Rahul Bhadana is a digital editor at TravTalk with experience spanning multiple content niches, with a strong focus on travel trade journalism and digital publishing. A graduate of Delhi University, his work covers editorial writing, content strategy and platform-led storytelling, supporting TravTalk’s digital growth and industry engagement. A technology enthusiast, he enjoys films, poetry and exploring new ideas across media and culture.
