Global air cargo demand rose to unprecedented levels in 2025, with early 2026 data showing continued momentum despite shifting trade flows, reported London’s Air Cargo Week.
The International Air Transport Association said overall demand grew 3.4 per cent year-on-year, with international traffic up 4.2 per cent. Capacity expanded 3.7 per cent, keeping the load factor stable at 45.7 per cent. E-commerce remained a key driver, alongside supply chain adjustments and evolving trade policies.
Cargo flows are rebalancing away from Asia-North America towards Asia-Europe, intra-Asia and Middle East-Asia corridors. Revenues dipped 1.5 per cent but stayed 37 per cent above pre-pandemic levels. IATA director general Willie Walsh said growth is expected to moderate to 2.4 per cent in 2026 amid economic and geopolitical headwinds.
January 2026 data showed demand up 5.6 per cent, with international operations rising 7.2 per cent. Africa led regional growth at 18.2 per cent, followed by the Middle East at 9.3 per cent, Asia-Pacific at 7.8 per cent and Europe at 6.9 per cent. North America and Latin America contracted slightly.
Trade lanes reflected the shift. Europe-Asia volumes rose 15.2 per cent, Middle East-Asia 12.9 per cent, intra-Asia 14.3 per cent and Africa-Asia surged 41.6 per cent. The Asia-North America route slipped 0.6 per cent. Global goods trade grew 4.9 per cent in December, jet fuel prices fell 6.5 per cent in January, and manufacturing sentiment improved, supporting cargo demand.
