Global air cargo demand continued its growth trajectory in April 2026, rising by 4.0% year-on-year despite significant operational challenges caused by the conflict in the Middle East, according to the latest data released by the International Air Transport Association.
The industry body reported that total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTK), increased by 4.0% compared to April 2025, while international cargo demand also recorded a similar 4.0% growth. Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTK), declined by 0.4% globally and by 0.9% for international operations, reflecting continued pressure on key cargo corridors.
Commenting on the performance, Willie Walsh said strong trade flows linked to Asia were the primary driver of growth, although the overall market picture remained complex. He noted that severe disruptions at major Gulf aviation hubs resulting from the conflict in the Middle East continued to alter trade routes and limit capacity on important cargo networks. Walsh added that dedicated freighter aircraft were carrying much of the growth, helping global supply chains remain resilient amid trade and geopolitical disruptions.
IATA noted that several economic and operational factors continued to influence the cargo market. Global trade contracted by 2.1% month-on-month in March after four consecutive months of expansion, underlining the fragility of global trade momentum. At the same time, jet fuel prices surged by 121.1% year-on-year in April, while crude oil prices rose by 77.7%, increasing cost pressures across the industry.
Despite these challenges, manufacturing activity remained supportive of cargo demand. The global Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 53.4 in April, up from March, while the PMI for new export orders reached 50.2. Both indicators remained above the 50-point threshold that signals expansion, suggesting continued strength in global trade activity.
Regional performance varied considerably. Airlines in the Asia-Pacific region recorded the strongest growth, with cargo demand rising by 10.5% year-on-year and capacity increasing by 5.3%. European carriers posted a 6.0% increase in demand alongside a 3.0% rise in capacity, while North American airlines recorded a 5.0% increase in cargo demand and a 1.2% growth in capacity.
African carriers also delivered a strong performance, with cargo demand growing by 7.7% year-on-year, although capacity declined by 9.4%. In contrast, Middle Eastern airlines experienced the sharpest downturn, with demand falling by 18.2% and capacity dropping by 22.9% as the regional conflict continued to impact operations. Latin American and Caribbean carriers reported a 2.8% decline in cargo demand despite a 1.2% increase in capacity.
Across major trade corridors, growth patterns remained uneven. The Africa–Asia route emerged as the strongest-performing trade lane in April, followed by Asia–Europe services, while intra-Asia markets continued to benefit from robust regional trade activity. However, routes linked to the Gulf region experienced significant disruption as airlines adjusted operations in response to the ongoing conflict.
The latest figures highlight the air cargo sector’s resilience amid rising geopolitical tensions, volatile fuel costs and shifting global trade patterns, with strong demand across Asia-linked markets helping to offset challenges in other regions.
