Turkish Airlines passenger volume jumps despite war

Flag carrier Turkish Airlines has reported double-digit growth in traffic volume despite the Iran war.

The regional conflict began on February 28, with a two-week ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran announced this week subject to Tehran reopening the Strait of Hormuz. 

In a statement published on the Turkish government’s public disclosure platform, the airline said passenger numbers rose 16 percent annually to 7.2 million in March.

The passenger load factor — the percentage of available seats occupied by travellers — increased to nearly 84 percent last month. 

Cargo and mail volumes rose 9 percent year on year to 198,300 tonnes.

In the first quarter of 2026, the airline’s fleet expanded 12 percent year on year to 528 aircraft, while the number of destinations gained more than 1 percent to 358.

Turkish Airlines carried 21.3 million passengers, up 13 percent from 18.9 million in the first three months of 2025, the statement said.

AGBI reported earlier that countries on the periphery of the Gulf are benefiting as airlines reroute around closed or high-risk airspace, reshaping Europe-Asia flight paths.

The main aviation winners have been those along alternative corridors, according to Linus Bauer, founder of aviation consultancy BAA and Partners. 

Further reading:

• Ceasefire sparks hope but Iran still ‘in control’ of Hormuz
• Etihad keeps flight prices low despite surging jet fuel
• Full airline operations some way off unless Iran war ends