The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported a 7.7% increase in global air cargo demand for September 2026. This growth is measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK) and reflects a significant rise compared to the same period in 2025. African airline operators saw a 4.7% gain in air cargo demand during the same period. The global air cargo market has seen an uptick in demand across all regions.
According to IATA's report, the growth in air cargo demand is attributed to stronger global trade and manufacturing. The Global Manufacturing Output Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) increased to 53.8, indicating an upward trend in global manufacturing activity. Additionally, global trade increased by 3.6% year-on-year in August, marking 42 consecutive months of expansion. These factors have contributed to the growth in air cargo demand.
Despite the positive growth, the air cargo industry faces challenges, particularly with rising costs. Jet fuel prices have more than doubled compared to the previous year, and yields have not kept pace. Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA's Senior Vice President Sustainability and Chief Economist, noted that while there is no shortage of goods to ship, doing so profitably has become more challenging due to high fuel prices.
The Asia-Pacific region saw an 8.6% year-on-year growth in air cargo demand in September, with capacity increasing by 4.9%. North American carriers recorded the strongest performance, with an 11.8% year-on-year increase in air cargo demand. However, European carriers saw a more modest 4.5% year-on-year increase in demand, with capacity decreasing by 1.6%.
Middle Eastern carriers experienced a 3.8% year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in September, the weakest of all regions. In contrast, Latin American and Caribbean carriers saw a 6.7% year-on-year increase in demand, with capacity increasing by 7.6%. African airlines saw a 4.7% year-on-year increase in demand, but capacity decreased by 1.2%.
The air cargo market performance varied across major trade lanes in September. The Asia–North America route recorded the strongest growth, followed by within Asia, Europe–North America, and Europe–Asia. However, Middle East-linked corridors remained under pressure, with traffic declining on both Europe–Middle East and Middle East–Asia routes.
IATA's report highlights that air cargo demand rose 7.7% year-on-year in September, driven by growth across all regions. The industry faces challenges due to high fuel prices, but a supportive backdrop of global trade and manufacturing has contributed to the growth in air cargo demand. Looking ahead, the industry will need to navigate these challenges while maintaining growth momentum.
Key points
- Global air cargo demand increased by 7.7% in September 2026.
- African airlines recorded a 4.7% gain in air cargo demand.
- Rising jet fuel prices pose a challenge to the air cargo industry's profitability.
