Top Travel Destinations Fuel Major Growth In January 2026 Airport Traffic

Published on February 24, 2026

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Corporación America Airports has announced its updated January 2026 report for its passenger traffic, revealing an increase of 8.8% YoY. They manage and oversee airport booking systems in various countries, including Argentina, Brazil, and Italy. They regard the increased traffic and travel bookings as a direct result of the increase in international travel from Argentina and Brazil, as well as constant travel bookings from Italy.

With the overall rise in passenger traffic, the report indicates that Argentina, Brazil, and Italy were the main contributors of this growth, as Argentina posted an unprecedented increase. Significant international travel route additions and increased foreign travel booking flights contributed to this growth. Despite, and possibly in response to the challenges the global airline industry has created, Corporación America Airports has shown, and continues to show, its solid market position.

Passenger Traffic Overview

Total passenger traffic in January 2026 reached 7.609 million passengers, which is 6.995 million in January 2025. This is a notable increase of 8.8%. The company noted an increase in all segments. There was a 14.8% increase in International passenger traffic. There was a 2.6% increase in Domestic traffic. There was also a considerable increase in Transit passengers of 16.6%.

Over 50% of the total passenger traffic growth in January 2026 came from Argentina. This was seen in both the Domestic and International segments. Domestic traffic in Argentina remained stable, while there was a 21.8% increase in International traffic. This was driven by new summer routes and flights.

Regional Highlights

Record Performance for Argentina

Argentina had an exceptional start in 2026; the country had a total passenger traffic increase of 7.9%. This was the highest recorded for the country in a month. Both International and Domestic flights increased in traffic. Domestic travel showed very little increase, but there was a very low comparison with January 2025. International travel increased significantly, especially to Brazil and other Latin American countries. New routes from Buenos Aires to Cabo Frio and from Córdoba to Aruba were added, and new flights to Tucumán and to Florianópolis. Aerolíneas Argentinas increased flights, which added to this increase.

With the demands for travel to and from Argentina, the growing international traffic for GOL and LATAM flights from Mendoza to Rio de Janeiro, and Ezeiza to Florianopolis, are clear indication of demand.

Noteworthy Growth for Brazil

January data for Brazil demonstrates an overall increase of 15.6% in total passenger traffic within the region. 13.3% of the increase was from domestic traffic, and 13.9% from international traffic. Furthermore, with the many challenges in the aviation sector, the increase in transit traffic is especially important, as it spans an increase of 18.7% from the previous year.

Consistent international travel and the strong demand for domestic flights indicate Brazil’s importance as a travel hub in the region.

Positive Results For Italy

Passenger traffic in Italy grew by only 4% despite the recent hurdles in the industry, such as flight cancellations and diversions caused by weather problems. Italy’s international traffic grew by 7.2% from the previous year and the increase was because of the solid international travel performances at Florence and Pisa airports. Italy’s domestic traffic, on the other hand, suffered a 6% decline due to weather interruptions.

Despite the hurdles in the industry, Italy’s airports play a big role in international travel. Italy’s airports made a big contribution to Corporación América’s performance in Europe.

More Information by Region

Despite security issues in certain countries like Ecuador, Italy was not the only country to see positive growth. The network countries, like Uruguay and Armenia, also witnessed positive growth trends. With the addition of summer flights and the addition of the GOL Montevideo to Fortaleza service, passenger traffic in Uruguay grew by 1%. Domestic traffic in Ecuador grew despite security issues, and, as a result, passenger traffic in Ecuador grew by 4.9%. The new airlines and route expansions, including the new Wizz Air base at Yerevan Airport, contributed to a 10.1% increase in passenger traffic in Armenia.

Cargo and Aircraft Movements

Cargo traffic, like passenger traffic, has also decreased YoY by 6.2%. Weaker performances in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Italy were the main reasons for the drop in cargo volumes. Only Armenia contributed to the growth in cargo. Argentina, Brazil, and Armenia combined for 80% of the total cargo volume.

In January 2026, aircraft movements increased 4.3%, with a notable rise in flight operations in several countries, with the exception of Ecuador. Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador accounted for more than 80% of total aircraft movements for the month. The increase in aircraft movements indicates the recovery of global air travel, with more flights added to meet increasing demand.

Summary of Important Data

Growth in Passenger Traffic

Argentina: ↑ 7.9%
Italy: ↑ 4.0%
Brazil: ↑ 15.6%
Uruguay: ↑ 1.0%
Ecuador: ↑ 4.9%
Armenia: ↑ 10.1%

Decrease in Cargo Traffic

Argentina: ↓ 7.1%
Italy: ↓ 23.1%
Brazil: ↓ 5.0%
Uruguay: ↓ 17.4%
Ecuador: ↓ 4.7%
Armenia: ↑ 11.9%

Increase in Aircraft Movements

Argentina: ↑ 5.1%
Italy: ↑ 5.0%
Brazil: ↑ 8.8%
Uruguay: ↑ 5.8%
Ecuador: ↓ 7.8%
Armenia: ↑ 3.3%

After the effects of the global pandemic and other challenges, the aviation industry is improving. Corporación América Airports is resilient and has consistently increased passenger traffic in LatAm and Europe. Travel demand is evident, and solid growth has been shown, especially in Argentina, Brazil, and Italy in January 2026.

Summary

The growing travel demand has prompted corporación América Airports to add new destinations and additional flights to existing routes. These trends indicate 2026 will be a high-demand year for the operator.