Turkish Airlines has reported strong growth in passenger and cargo traffic for May 2026, achieving its highest-ever passenger numbers for the month. The airline carried 7.9 million passengers during May, reflecting sustained demand across both domestic and international routes while reinforcing its position as one of the world’s leading global carriers.
According to the airline’s latest traffic results, total passenger capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometres (ASK), increased by 2.5 per cent compared to May 2025. Capacity rose from 22.6 billion ASK last year to 23.2 billion ASK this May, highlighting the carrier’s continued expansion strategy.
Turkish Airlines also reported an overall load factor of 84.0 per cent during the month. International routes recorded a load factor of 84.0 per cent, while domestic services achieved a slightly higher figure of 84.4 per cent. These numbers indicate strong demand across the airline’s network despite increasing competition within the global aviation industry.
Cargo operations continued to be another area of growth. The airline transported 203.1 thousand tonnes of cargo and mail in May 2026, representing an increase of 8.6 per cent compared to the same month last year. The growth reflects rising global trade activity and the carrier’s expanding role in international logistics.
The positive momentum was not limited to a single month. Turkish Airlines also reported robust performance during the first five months of 2026, demonstrating steady growth across key operational indicators.
Between January and May 2026, the airline carried a total of 36.4 million passengers, representing a 7.3 per cent increase compared with the same period in 2025. The figures suggest that global travel demand remains strong despite economic uncertainties affecting several regions around the world.
During the five-month period, the airline achieved a total load factor of 83.6 per cent. International services recorded a load factor of 83.5 per cent, while domestic flights reached 84.3 per cent. These figures underline the airline’s ability to maintain high occupancy rates while continuing to expand capacity.
Available Seat Kilometres during the January to May period rose by 6.5 per cent, reaching 112.1 billion compared with 105.3 billion during the corresponding period last year. The increase reflects Turkish Airlines’ ongoing efforts to strengthen connectivity across its global network.
Cargo operations delivered even stronger growth. During the first five months of 2026, the airline transported 954.6 thousand tonnes of cargo and mail, an increase of 13.5 per cent compared with 840.7 thousand tonnes during the same period in 2025.
The airline also continued to expand its fleet. By the end of May 2026, Turkish Airlines operated 542 aircraft, supporting its growing passenger and cargo network. The reported traffic figures include operations from both the Turkish Airlines main brand and its subsidiary AJet.
With record passenger numbers, expanding cargo volumes and continued fleet growth, Turkish Airlines appears well positioned to maintain its growth trajectory throughout the remainder of 2026.
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