Global air passenger demand recorded a strong increase in February, reflecting continued recovery and resilience in the aviation sector, even as geopolitical tensions begin to weigh on costs and capacity.

Data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shows that global passenger demand rose by 6.1% year-on-year in February, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK). Airline capacity also expanded by 5.6%, while the average load factor reached a record 81.4% for the month.

International and Domestic Growth

International travel demand increased by 5.9%, supported by improved connectivity and seasonal travel patterns, while domestic markets grew slightly faster at 6.3% compared to the same period last year.

Growth was particularly strong in regions benefiting from seasonal travel demand, including Asia-Pacific, where traffic rose significantly due to Lunar New Year travel. Latin America also posted robust gains, emerging as one of the fastest-growing regions globally.

Africa Leads Regional Growth

African airlines recorded the strongest global growth rate in February at 11.9% year-on-year, highlighting the continent’s accelerating recovery and rising demand for air connectivity.

This builds on earlier trends showing Africa as one of the fastest-expanding aviation markets, supported by increasing regional travel and improving load factors.

However, despite strong demand, the region continues to face structural challenges, including limited capacity and high operational costs.

Uneven Regional Performance

While most regions posted steady growth, the Middle East lagged behind with minimal expansion, reflecting disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions and airspace restrictions.

European and North American carriers reported moderate increases of around 5%, indicating stable but slower growth compared to emerging markets.

Rising Costs and Uncertainty

Despite positive demand trends, the aviation sector faces mounting uncertainty. Rising fuel costs—driven in part by conflict in the Middle East—are beginning to impact airline operations and ticket prices.

Capacity growth projections have already been revised downward, with airlines adjusting schedules and routes, particularly on services linked to affected regions.

In Africa, the situation is particularly acute. Many countries rely heavily on imported jet fuel, and recent supply disruptions have pushed fuel costs significantly higher, placing additional pressure on airlines and potentially leading to higher fares and reduced capacity.

Industry data suggests that demand fundamentals remain strong, with passenger numbers expected to continue growing through 2026. However, ongoing geopolitical risks and cost pressures could moderate growth in the months ahead.

Airlines are expected to balance strong demand with cautious capacity expansion as they navigate an increasingly uncertain operating environment.

Source ; businesstravelnewseurope.com

The global travel and tourism sector has entered one of its most contradictory phases in modern history, where instability and unprecedented demand are unfolding side by side. As of April 2026, the industry is grappling with mounting aviation disruptions, rising safety concerns, and infrastructure strain, yet it is also witnessing a dramatic surge in high-value, purpose-driven travel experiences. This unusual balance is redefining how destinations are marketed, how airlines operate, and how travelers perceive value.

At the core of this transformation is a striking reality: while operational systems are under pressure, travelers—especially in the premium segment—are spending more, traveling further, and seeking deeper meaning in their journeys.

Aviation Disruptions Create a Fragmented Global Sky

The aviation sector is currently under intense strain, navigating what experts describe as a fragmented and unpredictable global airspace. Airlines are increasingly forced to redesign flight paths due to geopolitical tensions, resulting in longer travel times and higher fuel consumption. These adjustments are not just logistical challenges but also major cost drivers that ripple across the entire travel ecosystem.

Adding to the complexity is a sharp rise in GNSS interference incidents, where navigation systems face signal disruption or spoofing attempts. Verified aviation safety authorities have acknowledged that such incidents are becoming a routine operational concern, particularly across corridors connecting Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. This has placed additional pressure on pilots and air traffic systems, intensifying the need for enhanced monitoring and resilience measures.

Meanwhile, airport infrastructure is showing signs of stress. Delays across major Asian hubs and emergency incidents at tourism properties have raised questions about preparedness, safety compliance, and crisis response capabilities. Government aviation bodies continue to emphasize stricter adherence to safety protocols and improved coordination among stakeholders to mitigate risks.

Luxury Travel Becomes the Industry’s Driving Force

In stark contrast to operational challenges, the luxury travel segment is experiencing a powerful boom. Travelers are increasingly embracing intentional journeys, often referred to as “whycations,” where the purpose of travel outweighs the destination itself. These trips revolve around personal milestones, cultural exploration, and meaningful experiences that go beyond traditional sightseeing.

Government-backed tourism boards across multiple countries have highlighted a clear shift toward experience-led tourism models, aligning with broader economic strategies that prioritize high-value visitors over mass tourism. This shift is also reflected in spending patterns, with travelers allocating significantly higher budgets for personalized itineraries, private tours, and exclusive accommodations.

Another emerging trend reshaping the sector is soft expedition travel, where adventure meets comfort. Instead of extreme conditions, travelers are opting for remote yet accessible environments such as tropical rainforests, island ecosystems, and culturally rich regions. Destinations like Indonesia and the Seychelles are benefiting from this trend, offering immersive experiences without the physical intensity of traditional expeditions.

Safety Perception Redefines Global Destination Choices

One of the most influential factors shaping travel decisions in 2026 is perceived safety rather than geographic proximity. Travelers are prioritizing destinations that project stability, security, and efficient governance, even if they are located farther away.

Tourism authorities in regions considered stable are actively positioning themselves as safe cultural hubs, leveraging government-backed safety certifications and infrastructure investments. This has led to increased interest in destinations that combine cultural richness with a strong sense of security.

At the same time, travelers are exploring alternatives to overcrowded hotspots. Government tourism strategies are increasingly promoting lesser-known regions to distribute visitor traffic more evenly, reduce environmental impact, and enhance visitor experiences. Countries like Japan, Portugal, and Croatia continue to lead as preferred destinations, supported by consistent government initiatives in tourism development, infrastructure, and cultural preservation.

Africa Emerges as a Strategic Growth Frontier

A significant development in the global tourism landscape is the growing focus on Africa as a key player in future travel growth. Strategic collaborations within the industry are highlighting the continent’s potential to attract international travelers through sustainable tourism initiatives and technological innovation.

Government tourism agencies across Africa are working to integrate digital tools, artificial intelligence, and sustainability frameworks into their tourism strategies. These efforts are aimed at improving visitor experiences, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring long-term environmental balance.

With major global events and partnerships on the horizon, Africa is positioning itself as a dynamic and emerging hub that combines cultural diversity, natural beauty, and forward-thinking tourism policies.

A Market Defined by Resilient High-End Demand

The defining theme of the 2026 travel landscape is what industry observers describe as resilient high-end demand. Despite economic pressures such as rising fuel costs and inflation, affluent travelers are treating travel as a non-negotiable investment in time and experience.

This trend is creating a noticeable divide within the market. While budget-conscious segments may adjust their travel frequency or spending, the luxury segment continues to expand, driving innovation and shaping the future of the industry. Governments and tourism boards are increasingly aligning their strategies to attract this segment, focusing on quality over quantity.

Travel Sector Balances Risk and Reinvention

The global travel industry is now operating at a critical intersection of risk and reinvention. Aviation challenges, safety concerns, and geopolitical tensions are testing the resilience of the sector, while at the same time, a powerful wave of experiential and luxury demand is pushing it forward.

This dual reality is forcing stakeholders—from airlines to governments—to rethink traditional models and embrace adaptive strategies. The future of travel will likely depend on how effectively the industry can balance operational stability with evolving traveler expectations, ensuring safety without compromising on experience.

As 2026 unfolds, one thing is clear: travel is no longer just about movement. It has become a deeply personal, high-value pursuit, reshaping the global tourism narrative in ways that are both dramatic and transformative.

Source: travelandtourworld.com

A two-week ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran – announced on Tuesday, 7 April – means changes to the flight disruption to the Middle East. Bahrain and Iraq’s airspace were reopened as of Wednesday, 8 April and their carrier airlines – Gulf Air and Iraqi Airways – are resuming operations via phased plans starting this week.

The region’s major airlines, including Emirates, Etihad, flydubai and Qatar, have been slowly increasing their flight schedules over the past few weeks, with networks expected to grow in the coming weeks.

Airspace in many parts of the region, including Kuwait and Iran, remains closed or restricted, while in the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, flights are operating through controlled aviation corridors. Partial airspace closures for commercial aircraft will likely continue throughout the ceasefire.

As a result of the ongoing disruption, several international airlines have adjusted their schedules, suspending routes to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and parts of the Middle East for months to come.

Here’s what travellers with Middle East flights booked need to know right now.

Which airlines are operating in the Middle East?

All airlines with flights into airports in closed or restricted airspace are currently operating with reduced and limited schedules, including routes headed for Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, Bahrain International Airport, Doha’s Hamad International Airport, Kuwait International Airport, Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport and Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport.

Emirates: Emirates is currently running a reduced flight schedule “due to the regional situation”. The government-owned carrier advises passengers to “check your flight status, even after you have checked in”. Customers who are booked to travel until Thursday, 30 April can request a refund or rebook on another flight until Monday, 15 June. “We’ll do our best to rebook you on the next available Emirates flight,” the airline says. “This applies to most disrupted tickets, including journeys connecting beyond Dubai.” According to Flightradar24, Emirates is operating at 70 per cent of its usual schedule.

Etihad Airways: Etihad is operating a limited schedule to 80 destinations. As per Flightradar24, this equates to 65 per cent of its pre-war schedule. Tickets are now on sale via the Etihad website to several destinations across the globe, with additional destinations set to be added as “conditions permit”. Passengers with previous bookings will be accommodated on these flights as soon as possible. Passengers with Etihad flight tickets issued on or after Friday, 6 March, for travel scheduled up to 31 March 2027, may change their booking once without a rebooking fee.

Qatar Airways: Qatar Airways has updated its flight schedule, “reflecting the gradual increase in flights to and from Doha.” Valid until Wednesday, 15 April, routes cover a range of international departures and destinations, including Cairo, Casablanca, Miami, New York, Toronto, Frankfurt, Madrid, London, Bangkok, Beijing and Mumbai. For the full list of routes, see the Qatar Airways website. Flightradar24 estimates the government carrier are running at 40 per cent of its pre-February 28 schedule.

Flydubai: Flydubai has “resumed its operations with a reduced schedule”. Customers are advised not to travel to the airport unless they have received confirmation that their flight is operating. Customers who were booked to travel between Saturday, 28 February and Tuesday, 31 March are being given the option to rebook up to 30 days from their original travel date or to cancel their booking and receive a full refund.

Gulf Air: Gulf Air has confirmed that its services to and from Bahrain International Airport “will gradually resume” after Bahrain Civil Aviation Affairs confirmed the reopening of airspace. Starting from Friday, 10 April, there will be two weekly flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Jeddah, Riyadh, Thiruvananthapuram, Dhaka, Kochi, Hyderabad, Nairobi, Lahore and Islamabad. While there will be three weekly flights between Bahrain and London and one route per week between the Kingdom and Dubai. Running alongside it, the airline’s temporary operations using King Fahd International Airport in Dammam will continue until April 30. Transport between Bahrain and Dammam will be arranged for passengers with confirmed tickets.

Air Arabia: Air Arabia has started operating scheduled flights between Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and a number of international destinations – including Vienna, Athens, Cairo, Kathmandu, Muscat, Islamabad, Jeddah and Bangkok. The full list can be viewed and booked on the Air Arabia website. Passengers whose flights were previously cancelled may also rebook if they have not yet used their modification or refund option.

Air India: Air India and Air India Express are operating a range of non-scheduled flights to and from the Middle East which you can view on their website. The airline is not following scheduled operations and is instead running a limited number of flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi on an ad-hoc basis. Flights to Jeddah and Muscat are running as scheduled.

Iraqi Airways: Iraqi Airways started running domestic and international flights, as the country reopened its airspace for the first time since the conflict began. The first international routes include Cairo, Istanbul and Amman, alongside domestic routes to Basra, Sulaymaniyah and Erbil.

Which airlines have suspended and cancelled Middle East flights?

Cathay Pacific: Hong Kong-based carrier Cathay Pacific has cancelled all flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh until at least 31 May. Customers booked to travel up until 31 May may rebook, reroute or refund their tickets as per the airline’s ticket waiver policy. “We’re continuing to monitor the situation closely. Further changes to our flight schedule may be needed in the coming days with the safety of our customers and people being our first priority,” the airline said in a statement.

British Airways: British Airways has cancelled all flights between London Heathrow and Amman, Bahrain, Dubai and Tel Aviv up to and including 31 May. Its Doha route will be reinstated at the end of April. Its daily flight between London and Abu Dhabi has been suspended until later this year. “We’re keeping the situation under constant review and are in touch with our customers to offer them a range of options,” the airline said in a statement on Monday, 16 March.

Oman Air: Oman’s state-owned flag carrier has cancelled flights to and from Amman, Dubai, Bahrain, Doha, Dammam, Kuwait, Copenhagen, Baghdad and Khasab until Thursday, 30 April, when another update will be provided.

SalamAir: Oman’s SalamAir is putting on flights between Fujairah International Airport and Muscat, with connecting journeys to Lucknow, Calicut, Hyderabad, Istanbul, Karachi and Cairo. Tickets should be purchased directly from the airline’s website or an authorised travel agency. Flights to Iraq, Lebanon, Sharjah, Doha, Kuwait and Iran are suspended until Thursday, 30 April, while to Dammam have now resumed.

IndiGo: Indian carrier IndiGo are “almost back to operating its regular schedule with 126 weekly flights to/from Saudia Arabia and 28 weekly flights to/from Oman. Additionally, IndiGo’s will operate 98 weekly flights to/from UAE.” This comes after the temporary suspension of flights to Doha, Kuwait City, Sharjah, Bahrain, Dammam, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah “due to the evolving situation in the Middle East”.

Lufthansa: German carrier Lufthansa is ⁠suspending ⁠all flights to Abu Dhabi, Amman, Beirut, Dammam, Riyadh, Erbil, Muscat and Tehran, until Saturday, 24 October. With its Dubai and Tel Aviv routes on pause until Sunday, 31 May, “due to ongoing airspace risks over Iran and Iraq”. The airline added, “the suspensions force Europe-to-Asia flights onto longer detours via Egypt or Central Asia, adding one to two hours to flight times and pushing fuel costs into fares”.

Virgin Atlantic: British carrier Virgin Atlantic has suspended its service from London to Dubai for the rest of the winter. With the seasonal route meant to be running until Saturday, March 28, the airline put out a statement on Sunday, 8 March saying: “The recent escalation in the Middle East has brought forward the end of our operation for this season.” Those with tickets for Virgin flights are advised to contact the airline as their teams are “actively working to support those who still need to travel, including exploring and securing arrangements with other airlines wherever possible”.

Norwegian: In a statement on its website, budget carrier Norwegian has cancelled all flights to and from Dubai up to and including Wednesday, 8 April, though no flights are currently bookable until later in the year. “This is a provisional decision, and further changes may be made,” it said in a statement on its website. “Affected passengers will be informed directly using the contact details provided in their booking”. Stranded passengers in Dubai should contact customer service as “there are very limited alternative flight options available”.

KLM: Dutch airline KLM has cancelled all flights to and from Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam up until and including Sunday, 17 May. In a statement issued on Thursday, 19 March, the airline said: “Due to ongoing geopolitical unrest in the Middle East, KLM has decided to cancel all flights to Dubai up to and including May 17. The safety of our passengers and crew is always our top priority. We understand that this decision has a significant impact on our travellers and are doing everything possible to keep them well informed. Passengers whose flights have been cancelled will be notified personally. They can change their flight or request a refund on the KLM website.”

Kuwait Airways: Commercial arrivals and departures at Kuwait International Airport (KWI) are currently on hold. Kuwaiti citizens with existing bookings with the airline are being flown to Jeddah as part of an emergency repatriation plan. From Saudi Arabia, passengers are required to complete the final leg of their journey to Kuwait by land.

Air Canada: On Friday, 13 March, Air Canada announced it will cease operating flights to Dubai until Tuesday, 30 April, and to Tel Aviv until Saturday, 2 May “due to the military situation in the Middle East”.

Singapore Airlines: Singapore Airlines has extended its suspension of flights between Singapore and Dubai until Thursday, 30 April, due to the ongoing geopolitical situation in the Middle East. The carrier has cancelled services on the route since Saturday, 28 February. “Customers affected by the flight cancellations will be reaccommodated on alternative flights or can seek a full refund of the unused portion of their ticket,” the airline said in its latest website update. Passengers who booked directly can request refunds online, while those who booked through travel agents or partner airlines are advised to contact them directly for assistance.

Middle East airspace closures

The United Arab Emirates has partially reopened its airspace. Dubai Airports, the authority that oversees both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC), is operating a limited number of flights. Passengers are urged not to go to the airport unless they have been directly contacted by their airline about rebooking.

Qatar has partially reopened its airspace to allow a limited number of repatriation flights to take place.

Bahrain and Iraq have reopened their airspace in light of the ceasefire, announced on Tuesday, 7 April.

Iran and Israel have closed their airspace.

Kuwait has also closed its airspace and has reported a drone attack on its airport. In a statement published by the Public Authority for Civil Aviation, it was confirmed that the attack caused “minor injuries to several employees and limited material damage to Terminal 1”.

Saudi Arabia‘s airspace is also impacted, although not all flights have been grounded. “Passengers travelling to destinations impacted by ongoing events are urged to check directly with their airlines for the latest flight updates before leaving for the airport,” King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Jeddah Airports, and Dammam Airports advised.

Which destinations are affected?

The impact has widened to include major regional hubs and key transit corridors:

• Dubai and Abu Dhabi: UAE airspace has partially reopened, with a limited number of flights operating from Dubai International (DXB), Dubai World Central (DWC) and Zayed International Airport (AUH). Services remain selective and passengers are being contacted directly by airlines if booked on operating flights.
• Iraq: Iraqi airspace has reopened for commercial aircraft as of Wednesday, 8 April.
• Iran: Airspace remains closed or largely avoided by international airlines, with most carriers continuing to reroute around both countries.
• Kuwait: Airspace remains closed and commercial operations at Kuwait International Airport are suspended following a drone strike that damaged Terminal 1.
• Doha: Qatari airspace remains partially open, with Qatar Airways operating a reduced flight schedule to and from Doha.
• Bahrain: Bahraini airspace has been reopened as a result of the ceasefire agreement between Iran and the US.
• Tel Aviv: Israeli airspace remains heavily restricted, with many international carriers continuing to suspend services or pause routes.

What are aviation authorities advising?

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has issued an advisory to European carriers, advising against operating in affected airspaces at “all flight levels and altitudes”.

In a statement, it advised carriers to “closely monitor airspace developments in the region and follow all available aeronautical publications concerning the region, including information shared through the European Information Sharing and Cooperation Platform on Conflict Zones, alongside available guidance or direction from their national authorities”.

What does this mean for travellers?

Travellers should expect a range of practical disruptions, including:

• Technical stops: particularly on low-cost carriers, with unscheduled fuel stops in southern Europe
• Cancellations: while airspace is closed, airlines have no choice but to ground flights
• Schedule shifts: if and when flights resume, expect there to be a knock-on impact on flight schedules as airlines scramble to get passengers back in the air
• Rerouting delays: longer flight durations even on services that remain operational

Airlines are offering refunds and flexible rebooking options, though policies vary by carrier.

Source: cntravellerme.com

This article was updated with the latest information on Sunday, 12 April 2026

The annual convention of the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) is once again set to become one of the most influential gatherings on Kenya’s tourism and aviation calendar as industry leaders prepare for the 2026 KATA Annual General Meeting and Convention.

Scheduled to take place from June 4–6, 2026, the three-day event will be hosted at the PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort & Spa under the theme “The Journey: Built to Last.”

Over the years, the KATA AGM has evolved far beyond its original purpose as a statutory meeting for members. Today, it stands as one of the most important platforms where travel agents, airline executives, hoteliers, tour operators, technology providers, and policymakers come together to shape the future of the travel trade in Kenya and across the region.

The convention has become a strategic industry forum where major discussions around policy, partnerships, innovation, and market trends take place. Delegates use the platform to exchange ideas, build new business relationships, and align strategies for the continued growth of Kenya’s tourism and travel sector.

The 2026 edition is expected to continue this tradition, with conversations focusing on resilience, sustainability, innovation, and collaboration—areas increasingly viewed as essential for the long-term success of the travel industry as it adapts to digital transformation and changing global travel patterns.

Past conventions have demonstrated the scale and influence of the event. For example, the 2025 KATA AGM and Convention, also held in Mombasa, attracted more than 350 delegates from over 13 countries, bringing together policymakers, airlines, and travel professionals to map out strategies for the sector’s future growth.

These gatherings have increasingly become a hub for industry dialogue—covering everything from emerging travel trends and airline distribution strategies to digital transformation and new revenue opportunities for travel agents. They also provide a unique opportunity for stakeholders across the tourism value chain to engage directly with government and regulatory bodies.

For travel agents, the AGM represents more than just networking—it is a chance to gain insight into market developments, explore partnerships with airlines and suppliers, and position their businesses for the next phase of industry growth.

With Kenya’s tourism sector continuing its strong recovery and travel demand rising across the region, the 2026 KATA AGM and Convention is expected to draw strong participation from across the travel ecosystem.

By convening key voices from across aviation, tourism, and travel distribution, the event aims to reinforce a central message embedded in this year’s theme: the future of the industry will depend on building partnerships and strategies that are truly “built to last.”

Kenya’s travel and aviation industry is emerging as one of the country’s most powerful economic engines, with new data highlighting the massive scale of the sector, from tourism earnings approaching half a trillion shillings to tens of billions flowing through airline ticket sales alone.

According to the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, Kenya’s tourism sector generated approximately KSh 0.5 trillion in earnings in 2025, reflecting strong growth and renewed global confidence in the country as a leading travel destination. The country welcomed about 7.9 million tourists, including 2.7 million international visitors and 5.2 million domestic travelers, demonstrating the depth and diversity of the travel market.

Behind these numbers lies a complex and thriving travel ecosystem involving airlines, travel agencies, tour operators, hotels, and digital booking platforms.

One of the clearest indicators of the industry’s scale comes from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) through its Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP)—a global system used by travel agents to issue airline tickets and settle payments with airlines.

In Kenya alone, BSP transactions exceed KSh 74 billion annually, reflecting the enormous volume of airline tickets sold through accredited travel agencies. The figure represents just a portion of the broader aviation economy, underscoring how deeply integrated travel services are in the country’s commercial landscape.

The scale of ticket sales also reflects Kenya’s strategic position as a regional aviation hub. Kenya Airways continues to expand connections across Africa and beyond, linking major cities and supporting the flow of tourists, business travelers, and cargo through hubs such as Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Government officials say improved connectivity, aggressive destination marketing, and infrastructure investments have all contributed to the sector’s growth. Kenya’s international tourist arrivals increased from 2.47 million in 2024 to 2.7 million in 2025, representing about 9 percent growth—more than double the global average, a sign that the country is outperforming many competing destinations.

Regionally, Africa remains the largest source of international visitors to Kenya, accounting for 47 percent of arrivals, followed by Europe at 25 percent and the Americas at 14 percent. Leisure travel leads demand at 46 percent of arrivals, while business travel and social visits also contribute significantly to overall tourism flows.

These figures illustrate that travel is no longer just a leisure activity—it is a major economic driver. From airlines and airports to tour operators and hotels, the sector supports thousands of jobs and stimulates investment across transport, hospitality, technology, and services.

With global tourism rebounding and Africa recording some of the fastest growth in international travel, Kenya is positioning itself to capture a larger share of the market. Strengthening air connectivity, simplifying travel processes through systems such as the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), and expanding tourism products are all part of the strategy to sustain momentum.

For an industry that already channels over KSh 74 billion in airline ticket sales through BSP alone and half a trillion shillings in tourism earnings, the message is clear: travel is not just about moving people, it is one of Kenya’s most powerful economic pillars.