Global air cargo demand rises in February, IATA says

Global air cargo demand rose 11.2 per cent year-over-year in February, despite growing uncertainty tied to geopolitical tensions and fuel volatility, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The industry group said capacity increased 8.5 per cent compared with February 2025, while international operations saw demand rise 11.6 per cent and capacity climb 9.8 per cent.

IATA said the results reflect strong underlying demand, supported in part by shipments ahead of Lunar New Year, as well as improving global manufacturing and trade conditions.

“Even considering the boost that February received from the movement of goods ahead of Lunar New Year, the month showed strong growth,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general. “The outbreak of war in the Middle East at the end of the month, however, makes it difficult to see how full-year performance will unfold. Sharply rising fuel costs, fuel scarcity in parts of the world and the severe disruption to key cargo hubs in the Gulf are major shifts. While air cargo has repeatedly proven its resilience in the face of disruption, an early resolution of the war along with a normalization of fuel supply and costs would be in everybody’s interest.”

The association noted several broader economic indicators supporting demand, including a 5.2 per cent year-over-year increase in global goods trade in January and stronger manufacturing sentiment, with the purchasing managers’ index reaching 53.1 in February.

Regionally, Africa recorded the strongest growth, with demand up 21 per cent year over year, followed by the Middle East at 16.5 per cent and Asia-Pacific at 13.6 per cent.

North American carriers reported a 9.4 per cent increase in demand, while European airlines saw a 6.9 per cent gain. Latin American and Caribbean carriers posted the weakest growth at 0.7 per cent.

IATA said air freight volumes increased across all major trade corridors during the month.