Global air cargo demand remained on a strong growth trajectory in May 2026, rising six per cent year-on-year despite continued geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that weighed on one of the industry’s key markets.
According to the latest data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTKs), increased by six per cent compared with May 2025, while international cargo traffic recorded an even stronger growth of 6.5 per cent.
Cargo capacity also expanded during the period, with available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTKs) rising 1.9 per cent globally and 2.8 per cent on international routes, reflecting airlines’ continued investment in freight operations to meet growing demand.
The performance comes amid ongoing adjustments to global supply chains, as airlines and logistics providers respond to geopolitical uncertainties, evolving trade patterns and changing customer demand.
Commenting on the figures, IATA Director General Willie Walsh said the industry’s resilience was evident despite the operational challenges created by conflicts in the Middle East.
“Air cargo demand grew six per cent year-on-year in May, with Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America all reporting above-trend growth. Carriers in the Middle East, however, recorded a combined contraction of 8.9 per cent as war-related disruptions continued to affect operations,” Walsh said.
He noted that improving economic indicators were providing cautious optimism for the remainder of the year.
“Trade and manufacturing output continue to grow, while airlines have adapted their operations to changing demand patterns and supply chain requirements. Yield growth and higher load factors are also helping to offset higher fuel costs. Although uncertainties in the Middle East remain a challenge, the resilience of the industry and the strength of demand are encouraging,” he added.
Regionally, African airlines recorded the strongest growth, with cargo demand increasing by 13.3 per cent while capacity rose 1.3 per cent. North American carriers followed with a 10.5 per cent increase in demand, ahead of Asia-Pacific airlines, which posted eight per cent growth alongside a 5.1 per cent rise in capacity.
European carriers recorded a 6.7 per cent increase in cargo demand, while Latin American and Caribbean airlines reported more modest growth of 1.9 per cent. The Middle East remained the weakest-performing region, with demand declining 8.9 per cent and capacity falling 9.2 per cent as conflict continued to disrupt operations.
IATA also reported that global trade expanded by five per cent year-on-year in May, extending a streak of 25 consecutive months of annual growth. The association said sustained trade expansion has remained one of the primary drivers of air cargo demand, particularly for high-value and time-sensitive shipments.
The report highlighted mixed developments in airline operating costs. While jet fuel prices declined by 16.3 per cent compared with April, they remained 93.5 per cent higher than a year earlier, underscoring the continued cost pressures facing airlines.
Manufacturing activity also remained supportive of cargo demand, with the Global Manufacturing Output Purchasing Managers’ Index rising to 53.5 in May. However, the New Export Orders Index remained below the neutral 50-point threshold at 49.6, indicating that cargo growth continued to be driven by selected trade corridors rather than a broad-based recovery in global exports.
Among the fastest-growing trade lanes, Asia-North America led with a 19.9 per cent increase in cargo volumes, followed by Africa-Asia at 14.1 per cent, intra-Europe at 11.5 per cent and Europe-Asia at 10 per cent. By contrast, trade corridors linked to the Middle East remained under pressure, with Europe-Middle East traffic declining 19.8 per cent and Middle East-Asia volumes falling 16.5 per cent.
