- Global air cargo demand increased 8.5pc year-on-year in June.
- North American carriers recorded the strongest growth at 13.1pc.
- Asia-North America trade lane grew 14.7pc for five consecutive months.
- Europe-Middle East contracted 41.1pc for four consecutive months.
- Jet fuel prices fell 20pc month-on-month but remained 45.8pc above year-earlier levels.
The International Air Transport Association has released data for June 2026 showing global air cargo demand increased by 8.5pc year-on-year, with capacity rising by 4.4pc. North American carriers recorded the strongest performance of all regions with a 13.1pc increase in demand, followed by Asia-Pacific at 7.9pc, Europe at 6.9pc, Middle East at 5.6pc, Africa at 4.7pc, and Latin America and Caribbean at 3.5pc. Demand growth outpaced capacity at the global level and in all regions except Latin America and the Caribbean.
Trade lane performance diverged significantly, with Asia-North America recording the strongest growth at 14.7pc, marking five consecutive months of growth. Europe-Asia grew 7.1pc over 40 consecutive months, Within Asia grew 7.2pc over 32 consecutive months, and Africa-Asia grew 0.9pc over 12 consecutive months. Europe-Middle East contracted 41.1pc for four consecutive months, while Middle East-Asia contracted 4.1pc for four consecutive months. Europe-North America remained flat.
Global trade increased by 5.2pc year-on-year, while jet fuel prices fell 20pc month-on-month in June but remained 45.8pc above year-earlier levels. Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, stated demand growth outpaced capacity, supported by high-value technology products and urgent shipments, but risks remain including continuing hostilities in the Middle East and renewed US tariff focus. The Global Manufacturing Output PMI fell 0.5 points to 53.0, while the New Export Orders Index remained below the 50-mark at 49.4.
Willie Walsh, IATA Director General, shared, “Air cargo demand grew 8.5pc year-on-year in June. While North America was the strongest contributor to growth, demand in all regions was in positive territory compared to last year.”
