Global air cargo demand rises in April: IATA

Global air cargo demand rose 5.8 per cent year-over-year in April, continuing the sector’s strong momentum, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The association said available capacity increased by 6.3 per cent compared to April 2024, while international cargo volumes grew 6.5 per cent.

IATA director general Willie Walsh credited the growth to seasonal demand for fashion and consumer goods—driven in part by front-loading ahead of U.S. tariff changes—as well as lower jet fuel prices.

“While April brought good news, stresses in world trade are no secret,” Walsh said in a statement. “Shifts in trade policy, particularly in the U.S., are already reshaping demand and export dynamics. Airlines will need to remain flexible.”

Asia-Pacific and Latin American carriers led regional growth with air cargo demand up 10 per cent and 10.1 per cent, respectively, over the same month last year. North American carriers saw 4.2 per cent growth, while European, Middle Eastern and African airlines posted gains ranging from 2.3 to 4.7 per cent.

Fuel prices declined 21.2 per cent year-over-year and 4.1 per cent month-over-month, contributing to improved operating conditions, IATA said. However, new export order activity fell in April, indicating ongoing uncertainty in the global trade environment.