Global air cargo demand increased 3.9% year-on-year in July 2026, with growth recorded across all regions, according to the latest data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
International operations recorded a stronger 4.7% increase in demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTK).
Global capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTK), increased 1.7% compared with July 2025, while international capacity rose 1.8%.
Marie Owens Thomsen, senior vice president sustainability and chief economist at IATA, said: “While all regions recorded growth, airlines in Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America accounted for more than 90% of the overall increase.
“Dedicated freighters gained market share as belly-hold traffic declined, possibly reflecting demand for larger or specialist shipments and the operational flexibility that freighters can provide.
“Looking ahead, the outlook remains broadly positive, supported by manufacturing activity, export orders and global trade. However, higher fuel prices, geopolitical tensions and tariff uncertainty will need to be watched carefully.”
IATA said that the operating environment provided several positive indicators for air cargo, with global trade increasing 7.5% year-on-year.
Manufacturing activity also remained supportive. The Global Manufacturing Output Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell 0.3 points to 52.7 in June, while the New Export Orders Index rose to 50.0, its highest level in three months.
However, jet fuel prices increased 12.2% month-on-month in July and were 56.9% higher than a year earlier.
Regional performance
North American carriers recorded the strongest regional demand growth in July, increasing 4.8% year-on-year despite capacity declining 1.5%.
European carriers saw demand increase 4.4%, alongside a 1.3% rise in capacity, while Asia-Pacific airlines recorded 4.1% demand growth and a 3.0% increase in capacity.
Latin American and Caribbean carriers also recorded 4.1% demand growth, although capacity increased at a faster rate of 7.0%.
Middle Eastern carriers saw demand increase 1.7% and capacity rise 4.0%, while African airlines recorded the weakest demand growth at 1.1%, against a 4.1% increase in capacity.
Across major trade lanes, Asia–North America recorded the strongest growth, followed by Europe–Asia and Europe–North America. Gulf-linked corridors remained disrupted by conflict in the Middle East.
