IATA Report: Global Air Cargo Demand Rises 7.7% in September 2026

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for September 2026 global air cargo markets showing:

Global Performance
- Global air cargo demand increased 7.7% year-on-year in September 2026.
- International cargo demand grew 8.6%.
- Cargo capacity increased 2.7%, while international capacity rose 3.3%.

Market Drivers
- Global trade expanded 3.6% year-on-year in August.
- Manufacturing activity remained strong, with export orders reaching a five-year high.
- AI-related shipments continued to support strong cargo demand, particularly across Pacific routes.

Industry Challenge
- Jet fuel prices increased 103.4% compared to September 2025.
- Rising fuel costs are putting pressure on airline profitability despite healthy cargo demand.

Regional Performance
North America
- Strongest-performing region.
- Cargo demand up 11.8%.
- Capacity increased 0.8%.
Asia-Pacific
- Demand rose 8.6%.
- Capacity increased 4.9%.
Latin America & Caribbean
- Demand increased 6.7%.
- Capacity grew 7.6%.
Africa
- Demand increased 4.7%.
- Capacity declined 1.2%.
Europe
- Demand rose 4.5%.
- Capacity decreased 1.6%.
Middle East
- Weakest growth among regions at 3.8%.
- Capacity increased 7.0%.

Key Trade Lane Trends
Strongest Growth
- Asia-North America: +17.0% (8 consecutive months of growth)
- Within Asia: +10.2% (35 consecutive months of growth)
- Europe-North America: +9.3%
- Europe-Asia: +6.0% (43 consecutive months of growth)

Under Pressure
- Europe-Middle East: -18.0%
- Middle East-Asia: -10.2%

Market Highlights
- Global cargo load factor improved by 2.2 percentage points to 47.9%.
- Asia-Pacific remained the largest cargo market with a 35.8% global share.
- North America delivered the fastest demand growth, while Middle East-linked trade lanes continued to face challenges.

Outlook
- Strong trade activity, manufacturing growth and e-commerce/technology shipments continue to support air cargo demand.
- However, sustained high fuel prices remain a key concern for airline cargo profitability.