Global airlines are set to post another year of solid profits despite a fast-changing operating environment, but African carriers continue to lag due to high costs, fragmented markets and ageing fleets.
In its latest financial outlook for 2026, IATA says the global aviation environment is gradually stabilising. International fuel costs are expected to decline to 252 billion R4,26 trillion in 2026 from 253 billion in 2025 R4,28 trillion. Additionally, IATA anticipates that supply chain challenges and aircraft delivery may begin to improve.
However, the industry will still contend with infrastructure constraints as well as geopolitical tensions, which interfere with global navigation satellite systems, forcing airlines to reroute around unsafe airspace.
