Global air cargo demand rises 4.4% in August: IATA

Global air cargo demand increased 4.4% year-on-year in August 2026, according to data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTK), recorded stronger growth in international operations, which rose 5.3% compared with August 2025.

Meanwhile, global cargo capacity remained broadly stable during the month. Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTK), declined marginally by 0.1% year-on-year, while international capacity increased by 0.1%.

Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s Senior Vice President, Sustainability and Chief Economist, said, “Air cargo demand rose 4.4% year-on-year in August, with all regions reporting growth even as capacity was trimmed by 0.1%. Strong demand and higher load factors helped airlines to recoup some of the exceptionally high fuel costs. Yields rose month-on-month for the first time since April, while global goods trade growth continues. Both are positive signs as the year-end peak season comes into view.”

Several factors in the global operating environment supported air cargo demand during the period. Global trade grew 6% year-on-year in July, extending the streak of monthly growth to 33 consecutive months. Meanwhile, jet fuel prices increased 8.3% month-on-month in August and were 79.2% higher than a year earlier, adding pressure on airline operating costs. Global manufacturing activity also strengthened during August, with the Global Manufacturing Output Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rising 0.3 points to 53, while the New Export Orders Index increased 1.4 points to 51.4. Both manufacturing indicators remained in territory supportive of air cargo demand.

Regional air cargo markets recorded mixed growth in August 2026. Asia-Pacific airlines reported a 4.3% year-on-year increase in cargo demand, while capacity grew by 1.2%. North American carriers recorded the strongest demand growth among all regions, with air cargo demand rising 6.6%, even as capacity declined 2.5% year-on-year.

European carriers saw demand increase 4.1%, while capacity fell 3.5%. In the Middle East, demand grew by 1%, the weakest regional performance, while capacity increased 3.3%. Latin American and Caribbean airlines recorded a 5.1% rise in demand, alongside 3.3% capacity growth. Meanwhile, African airlines posted a 3% increase in demand, with capacity expanding significantly by 14% year-on-year.

Air cargo performance varied across major trade lanes in August 2026. Asia–North America recorded the strongest growth, followed by intra-Asia, Europe–North America and Europe–Asia routes. Meanwhile, trade lanes linked to the Gulf continued to face disruptions amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.