African airlines experienced a 3.0 percent year-on-year growth in air cargo demand in August 2026, falling behind the global average demand growth of 4.4 percent. This growth rate was significantly lower than that of other regions, including North America, Latin America, and Europe. According to data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), African carriers increased their available cargo capacity by 14.0 percent year-on-year, the highest capacity expansion of any region globally.
Global air freight growth was driven by strong performances in North America, Latin America, and Europe. North America led global demand with a 6.6 percent year-on-year increase, while Latin America and the Caribbean delivered the second-highest growth, posting a 5.1 percent demand increase. Europe achieved a 4.1 percent year-on-year increase in demand. In contrast, African airlines trailed the global growth trajectory with a 3.0 percent demand increase.
African carriers stood out as an outlier in regional capacity management. While airlines in North America and Europe trimmed their available capacity by 2.5 percent and 3.5 percent respectively to optimize efficiency, African operators increased their available cargo capacity by a massive 14.0 percent year-on-year. This vast expansion in capacity outpaced the continent’s 3.0 percent demand growth, resulting in a supply-demand mismatch.
Global air cargo markets benefited from improved economic metrics and rising yields. Global merchandise trade expanded by 6.0 percent year-on-year in July, marking 33 consecutive months of year-on-year growth. The Global Manufacturing Output Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose 0.3 points to 53, while the New Export Orders Index increased by 1.4 points to 51.4. These positive economic indicators supported the growth in air cargo demand.
Despite the challenges, global air cargo markets showed resilience. Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s Senior Vice President Sustainability and Chief Economist, noted that air cargo demand rose 4.4 percent year-on-year in August, with all regions reporting growth. Thomsen added that strong demand and higher load factors helped airlines to recoup some of the exceptionally high fuel costs.
Jet fuel prices surged by 8.3 percent month-on-month in August, climbing 79.2 percent higher than the same period in 2025. This significant increase in fuel costs placed heavy burdens on carrier margins. However, yields rose month-on-month for the first time since April, providing some relief to airlines.
The Asia–North America route generated the strongest demand growth globally, followed by intra-Asia routes, Europe–North America, and Europe–Asia corridors. Conversely, Gulf-linked trade routes connecting the Middle East to other regions continued to face major disruptions due to ongoing regional conflict. African airlines will need to navigate these challenges to improve their air cargo demand growth.
Key points
- African airlines recorded a 3.0% year-on-year growth in air cargo demand in August 2026, below the global average of 4.4%.
- African carriers increased their available cargo capacity by 14.0 percent year-on-year, the highest capacity expansion of any region globally.
- Global air cargo markets benefited from improved economic metrics and rising yields, with global merchandise trade expanding by 6.0 percent year-on-year in July.
