Pakistan, June 8 -- The global airline industry nearly halved its 2026 profit forecast on Sunday, citing conflict in the Middle East that has driven up fuel costs, disrupted key air corridors and exposed the fragility of a sector operating on thin margins.

The International Air Transport Association, which represents more than 370 airlines accounting for about 85% of global air traffic, said in its annual report that it now expects the industry to post a combined net profit of $23 billion in 2026, well below a previous projection of about $41 billion and down from $45 billion in 2025.

The downgrade underscores airlines' exposure to geopolitical shocks and fuel volatility, even as passenger demand remains resilient, planes are flying ful...