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The global aviation industry is expected to contribute $4.1 trillion to the world economy in 2026, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
IATA estimates that airlines will carry around 5.2 billion passengers this year, while global air cargo volumes are expected to reach 71.6 million metric tonnes.
Around $8 trillion worth of goods are transported by air each year, with the aviation sector accounting for approximately 3.9% of the global economy. Passenger traffic increased 5.7% in 2025 from the previous year.
IATA also highlighted the strong safety record of commercial aviation. Around 40 million flights are operated worldwide each year, meaning even a single accident can significantly affect global safety statistics. Despite this, aviation remains one of the safest forms of transport.
The industry continues to face several challenges, including geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, delays in aircraft deliveries and the need to significantly increase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production.
IATA estimates that the aviation industry will need around 500 million metric tonnes of SAF annually by 2050 to achieve its target of net-zero carbon emissions.
The report also ranked the world’s largest aviation markets by the sector’s contribution to national economies.
The United States ranked first, with civil aviation contributing around $1.3 trillion to its GDP. China ranked second with $253.6 billion, followed by Spain with $172.9 billion.
The United Kingdom ranked fourth with $160.7 billion, followed by France with $144.7 billion, Germany with $142.7 billion, Japan with $116.4 billion, Italy with $103.6 billion, the United Arab Emirates with $92 billion and Saudi Arabia with $90.6 billion.