Airlines record 4.4% growth in cargo demand globally

Airlines globally in August 2026 recorded 4.4% year-on-year in air cargo demand while their capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), decreased by 0.1% compared to August 2025.

This was contained in the data for August 2026 global air cargo markets released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

IATA noted that several factors in the operating environment attributed to this. The factors:

Global trade increased by 6.0% year-on-year in July, extending the run of consecutive monthly expansions to 33 months, on a year-on-year basis.

Jet fuel prices rose by 8.3% month-on-month in August and were 79.2% higher than a year earlier.

Global manufacturing activity increased in August. The Global Manufacturing Output Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) increased 0.3 points to 53.0, while the New Export Orders Index rose 1.4 points to 51.4. Both indicators remained supportive of air cargo demand.

Speaking on the development,  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.”

August Regional Performance

Asia-Pacific airlines saw a 4.3% year-on-year growth in air cargo demand in August. Capacity increased by 1.2% year-on-year.

North American carriers saw a 6.6% year-on-year increase in air cargo demand in August, the strongest performance of all regions. Capacity decreased by 2.5% year-on-year.

European carriers saw a 4.1% year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in August. Capacity decreased by 3.5% year-on-year.

Middle Eastern carriers saw a 1.0% year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in August, the weakest of all regions. Capacity increased by 3.3% year-on-year.

Latin American and Caribbean carriers saw a 5.1% year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in August. Capacity increased by 3.3% year-on-year.

African airlines saw a 3.0% year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in August. Capacity increased by 14.0% year-on-year.