IATA reports strong June air cargo growth

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported continued strength in global air cargo markets in June 2026, with demand outpacing capacity growth. According to the latest data, total air cargo demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), increased 8.5% year-on-year, while international operations recorded an even stronger 9.6% rise.

Meanwhile, available cargo capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), grew 4.4% compared with June 2025, with international capacity up 4.9%. The figures indicate that air cargo demand continued to expand at a faster pace than capacity during the month, reflecting sustained momentum in the global freight market.

Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, said, “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.”

He added, Global air cargo demand continued to outpace capacity growth in June across most regions, except for Latin America and the Caribbean. Demand also expanded faster than global trade, driven by strong shipments of high-value technology products and time-sensitive cargo. The robust performance points to a positive outlook for the second half of 2026. However, the industry continues to face uncertainties, including ongoing tensions in the Middle East and renewed tariff-related concerns in the United States, which could weigh on future market conditions.

Global trade expanded 5.2% year-on-year, providing continued support for air cargo demand. Jet fuel prices declined 20% from the previous month in June, although they remained 45.8% higher than the same period last year. Meanwhile, global manufacturing activity softened slightly but stayed in expansion territory.

The Global Manufacturing Output Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) slipped 0.5 points to 53.0, while the New Export Orders Index remained below the 50-point threshold for a fourth consecutive month at 49.4. The data suggests that recent air cargo growth has been driven by specific high-demand trade lanes and commodities rather than a broad-based recovery in global exports.

Regional air cargo performance remained positive in June 2026, although growth rates varied across markets. Asia-Pacific airlines recorded a 7.9% year-on-year increase in cargo demand, while capacity expanded 4.3%. North American carriers delivered the strongest performance globally, with demand rising 13.1% and capacity increasing 6.2%.

European airlines reported a 6.9% year-on-year rise in cargo demand, supported by a 3.7% increase in capacity. Middle Eastern carriers posted a 5.6% increase in demand and a 2.5% rise in capacity. However, the region's growth was influenced by a weak comparison base, as operations in June 2025 were significantly disrupted by military conflict.

Latin American and Caribbean airlines recorded the slowest demand growth among all regions at 3.5%, while capacity climbed 9.8%. African carriers saw cargo demand increase 4.7% year-on-year despite a 7.1% decline in available cargo capacity.