Global air cargo demand up 8.5% in July. Photo: Shutterstock The global air cargo market continued its strong momentum in June, with demand rising significantly despite ongoing geopolitical and trade uncertainties, according to new figures released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Total air cargo demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), increased by 8.5% compared to June 2025, while international operations posted an even stronger 9.6% gain. Capacity grew at a slower pace of 4.4%, allowing airlines to improve load factors across most regions.
IATA Director General Willie Walsh said the results provide "strong reasons for optimism" heading into the second half of 2026, although risks remain.
"Air cargo demand grew 8.5% year-on-year in June. While North America was the strongest contributor to growth, demand in all regions was in positive territory compared to last year," Walsh said.
North America led the global recovery, recording a 13.1% increase in cargo demand, followed by Asia-Pacific (+7.9%) and Europe (+6.9%). The Middle East posted a 5.6% increase, although IATA noted the figures were boosted by comparisons with a particularly weak June 2025, when military tensions disrupted operations in the region.
Latin America and the Caribbean saw the weakest growth at 3.5%, while Africa recorded a 4.7% increase despite a 7.1% reduction in capacity.
Global trade continued to support the sector, expanding by 5.2% year-on-year. High-value technology shipments and time-sensitive cargo also contributed to demand, helping air freight outperform broader export trends.
Among major trade corridors, Asia–North America remained the standout performer, with volumes jumping 14.7% for the fifth consecutive month of growth. Europe–Asia traffic rose 7.1%, marking 40 consecutive months of expansion, while intra-Asia cargo increased by 7.2%.
However, some routes continued to struggle. Europe–Middle East traffic plunged 41.1%, while Middle East–Asia volumes fell 4.1%, reflecting the lingering impact of regional instability.
Despite the encouraging demand figures, IATA warned that airlines continue to face challenges, including renewed U.S. tariff discussions and ongoing hostilities in the Middle East. Meanwhile, global manufacturing output softened slightly in June, and export orders remained below growth territory for a fourth consecutive month.
Nevertheless, with demand continuing to outpace capacity in nearly every region, the air cargo industry appears well positioned to maintain its upward trajectory through the remainder of the year.