- Global air cargo demand fell by 4.8pc in March 2026 compared with March 2025.
- Capacity decreased by 4.7pc while the cargo load factor stood at 47.9pc.
- Asia-Pacific carriers recorded 5.4pc growth in cargo demand.
- Middle Eastern carriers saw demand fall by 54.3pc due to regional disruptions.
- African airlines achieved 7.0pc growth, the strongest regional performance.
The International Air Transport Association has released data for the global air cargo market in March 2026. Total demand measured in cargo tonne-kilometres fell by 4.8pc compared with March 2025. Capacity measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres decreased by 4.7pc over the same period.
Asia-Pacific airlines recorded 5.4pc growth in cargo demand while African carriers achieved the strongest rise at 7.0pc. Middle Eastern carriers experienced a 54.3pc decline in demand due to disruptions at Gulf hubs. European carriers saw demand increase by 2.2pc with capacity up 4.2pc.
The cargo load factor stood at 47.9pc in March 2026. Trade lanes showed mixed performance with Africa-Asia recording 22.6pc growth while Middle East-linked corridors contracted sharply.
Willie Walsh shared “Air cargo demand fell 4.8pc in March compared to the previous year. Air cargo networks are providing the flexibility needed to support global supply chains.”
