airBaltic reported moderate growth in March 2026, with passenger numbers and flight activity increasing ahead of the summer season as the airline continues expanding capacity.
Passenger growth in airBaltic March 2026 traffic figures
The airline carried just over 430,000 passengers in March 2026, representing an estimated 5% to 7% year-on-year increase. Around 3,800 flights were operated during the month, signalling higher capacity compared with March 2025.
Earlier in the year, passenger numbers reached approximately 338,500 in January and 312,200 in February, with both months also recording annual growth. First-quarter performance indicates steady gains, reflecting gradual demand growth rather than a sharp acceleration.
Capacity increase outpaces demand
Load factors remained at around 76% to 78%, below peak summer levels. Capacity continues to outpace demand, entering the market ahead of the busy season.
The rise in flight volumes forms part of airBaltic’s network expansion as it transitions to its summer schedule, following a record 2025 in which the airline carried more than 5 million passengers.
Current figures show capacity continuing to rise faster than demand, with load factors indicating that more seats are being added than filled. This trend is typical for late-winter and early-spring operations, when airlines scale up schedules in anticipation of stronger summer demand.
If passenger demand increases in line with seasonal trends, load factors are likely to improve in the second quarter as the expanded schedule matures.
March 2026 data highlights stable growth supported by increased flight volumes, while load factors remain relatively unchanged, reflecting seasonal patterns alongside ongoing expansion.
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