The air transport industry continues its recovery and enters 2026 with clear signs of growth. This is according to the report "Air Travel Outlook 2026: Revenues and Costs Are Rising", published by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), which projects a scenario of higher revenues driven by sustained demand for both leisure and business travel. 

The report highlights that the appetite for flying remains strong globally, supported by the normalization of tourist flows and greater international connectivity. This context has allowed airlines to increase revenues and improve their position compared to the more challenging years of the recent cycle. However, growth is not without its challenges. 

BCG warns that, alongside the increase in revenue, operating costs continue to rise. Factors such as rising labor costs, higher maintenance costs, inflationary pressures, and a more demanding operating structure are reducing margins. Added to this is a competitive environment that limits the ability to pass on all these cost increases to the final ticket price. 

The report suggests that the future profitability of the sector will depend less on pure demand growth and more on the ability of airlines to efficiently manage their costs, optimize fleets, and improve productivity, without deteriorating the passenger experience. Financial discipline and strategic decisions will be key in a scenario where volume is no longer a guarantee of profitability. 

Fynsa 

Source: Boston Consulting Group – Air Travel Outlook 2026.