In August 2026, 40.9 million passengers traveled to, from and within Latin America and the Caribbean, up 0.8% from the same month of 2025, representing 343,000 additional passengers. Growth was once again concentrated in travel within the region. Domestic traffic rose 1.9% and intra-regional international traffic grew 3.1%, while extra-regional traffic declined 1.9%. Cargo showed stronger momentum. In August, the region carried 346,079 metric tonnes of international air cargo, up 8.5% year over year. This was the strongest growth rate so far in 2026. International air cargo recorded year-on-year growth in each of the first eight months of the year.
Key Highlights
Passengers
International air cargo
Passenger air traffic in August 2026: market breakdown
International air cargo in August 2026: market breakdown
“Despite cost pressures, aviation in Latin America and the Caribbean continues to grow. In August, passenger traffic rose 0.8% and international air cargo grew 8.5%, its strongest growth so far this year. Behind these figures are tourism, exports, jobs and connectivity for millions of people. The industry is betting on the region and proving its resilience in challenging times. That is why decisions affecting aviation must drive its growth, not hold it back, creating the conditions for it to keep connecting people and generating opportunities across the region”, said Peter Cerdá, CEO of ALTA.
The full analysis, including market-level data, capacity trends, top international corridors and new routes, is available at:
Glossary: RPK (Revenue Passenger Kilometers): number of revenue passengers carried multiplied by the distance flown. | ASK (Available Seat Kilometers): number of seats available for sale multiplied by the distance flown. | Load factor: calculated by dividing RPK by ASK. | ATK (Available Tonne-Kilometers): available cargo capacity, expressed as available tonnes multiplied by the distance flown. | International air cargo: volume of cargo carried between LAC countries and between LAC and other regions of the world, measured in metric tonnes; excludes domestic cargo.
Methodological Note: In this document, the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region is defined as the sum of South America, Central America, the Caribbean and Mexico. This definition is applied consistently across all regional and international traffic analyses. Flights operated within a single country are considered domestic. International traffic is classified into two main segments:
Note on figures: The information presented reflects data available at the time this report was prepared and is preliminary. Figures are subject to revision as a result of subsequent updates, corrections or adjustments by the original sources or during ALTA’s consolidation process. Consequently, passenger and cargo volumes, operating indicators and growth rates may differ from those published in later editions. For passengers, the scope covers all traffic to, from and within Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), regardless of the operating airline’s country of domicile. This includes domestic traffic within the region’s countries, international traffic between LAC countries and international traffic between LAC and other regions of the world. For cargo, figures refer exclusively to international air cargo carried between LAC countries and between LAC and other regions of the world, regardless of the operating airline’s country of domicile. Domestic cargo is not included. Country figures include all international traffic to or from each country. Traffic between two Latin American and Caribbean countries is counted in both, so the sum of country volumes and changes may exceed the regional total. Shares of regional growth are shown for scale and are not additive across countries.
Attorney and Master in Public Policy with more than 10 years of experience in regulatory affairs, government relations, and public policy strategy across Latin America. Currently serves as Head of Government Affairs at the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA), leading engagement with governments, regulators, and international organizations to advance policies that strengthen air connectivity and the development of the aviation sector in the region. Brings strong experience in regional regulatory positioning, high-level stakeholder management, and the coordination of complex public policy agendas across multiple countries. Has represented organizations in strategic forums and decision-making processes throughout Latin America. Recognized for building consensus and translating complex regulatory frameworks into initiatives that enhance industry competitiveness and sustainability.
María José has solid experience in strategic communication, reputation management, crisis handling, and institutional positioning for organizations with a global scope. Throughout her career, she has developed 360° communication strategies and media visibility initiatives for companies across various sectors, including energy, financial services, and hospitality, with the goal of strengthening corporate reputation and engagement with key audiences.
Johnny is a Public Accountant graduated from Santa Maria University in Caracas, Venezuela. He has over 30 years of experience in service and manufacturing companies in the Administration, Accounting and Finance areas, leading the implementation of administrative and financial systems and restructuring of the accounting department. In January 2009, he joined ALTA as head of Administration and Finance with the objective of preparing the financial statements and responsible for the external audit, updating internal procedures, controlling assets and coordinating IT services and maintenance, providing forecasting and financial reporting to drive current and long-term profitability.
Carolina is a lawyer, specialized in International Law and Business since 2007. She has worked at Citibank, Asobolsa (as Legal and Administrative Vice President), IATA (as Government Affairs Manager), and more recently has provided consulting services in personal and professional development.
