Global Air Cargo Demand Climbs 6% in May as African Airlines Lead Worldwide Growth – IATA

By The Ameh News
Global air cargo demand continued its upward trajectory in May 2026, recording a 6.0 percent year-on-year increase, as strong trade activity and resilient airline operations offset geopolitical disruptions in parts of the world.
According to the latest data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global cargo traffic, measured in Cargo Tonne-Kilometres (CTK), grew by 6.0 percent compared with May 2025, while international cargo operations posted an even stronger 6.5 percent growth.
At the same time, available cargo capacity, measured in Available Cargo Tonne-Kilometres (ACTK), increased by just 1.9 percent globally and 2.8 percent for international operations, indicating that demand continued to outpace capacity expansion.
Africa Emerges as Fastest-Growing Air Cargo Market
African airlines recorded the strongest performance among all global regions, with air cargo demand surging by 13.3 percent year-on-year, while capacity increased by only 1.3 percent.
The impressive performance underscores Africa’s growing importance in global logistics, cross-border trade, e-commerce, and export markets, particularly on the Africa-Asia trade corridor.
Asia-Pacific airlines posted an 8.0 percent increase in cargo demand, followed by North America with 10.5 percent growth and Europe with 6.7 percent.
However, airlines in the Middle East experienced the weakest performance globally, recording an 8.9 percent decline in cargo demand as the ongoing regional conflict continued to disrupt major cargo routes and supply chains.
Latin America and the Caribbean posted modest growth of 1.9 percent.
IATA: Airline Resilience Driving Market Recovery
Commenting on the report, IATA Director General Willie Walsh said the industry continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience despite persistent geopolitical uncertainties.
“Air cargo demand grew 6% year-on-year in May, with Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America all reporting above-trend growth. Carriers in the Middle East, however, reported a combined contraction of 8.9% as war-related impacts continued.”
Walsh noted that improving global trade, recovering manufacturing output and stronger cargo yields are providing cautious optimism for the remainder of 2026.
He added that airlines have successfully adjusted their operations to changing demand patterns while improved cargo load factors are helping operators offset elevated operating costs.
Global Economy Supports Cargo Expansion
IATA identified several macroeconomic indicators supporting continued cargo growth:
Global trade expanded by 5.0 percent year-on-year, marking the 25th consecutive month of annual growth.
Global manufacturing output remained positive, with the Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rising to 53.5.
Although export orders remained below the expansion threshold at 49.6, selected trade corridors continued to generate strong cargo demand.
Jet fuel prices declined by 16.3 percent from April levels, although prices remained 93.5 percent higher than a year earlier.
Major Trade Routes Driving Growth
The strongest-performing international trade lanes in May included:
Asia–North America: +19.9%
Africa–Asia: +14.1%
Within Europe: +11.5%
Europe–Asia: +10.0%
Within Asia: +5.5%
Conversely, cargo traffic linked to the Middle East remained under pressure.
Europe–Middle East traffic declined by 19.8 percent, while Middle East–Asia routes fell by 16.5 percent due to continuing geopolitical instability.
Regional Performance Snapshot
Africa: +13.3%
North America: +10.5%
Asia-Pacific: +8.0%
Europe: +6.7%
Latin America & Caribbean: +1.9%
Middle East: -8.9%
Industry Outlook
Industry analysts believe the latest figures reinforce the resilience of the global air cargo sector despite persistent geopolitical risks.
With global trade continuing to expand and airlines improving operational efficiency, the sector appears well positioned to sustain growth through the second half of 2026, provided major geopolitical tensions do not escalate further.
For African carriers, the report represents another milestone, highlighting the continent’s increasing role in international cargo connectivity and supply chain integration.
Background
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) represents more than 370 airlines accounting for approximately 85 percent of global air traffic. Its monthly Air Cargo Market Analysis is regarded as one of the aviation industry’s most authoritative indicators of global freight performance.
Key Facts
Global air cargo demand increased by 6.0% in May 2026.
International cargo demand grew 6.5%.
Global cargo capacity expanded 1.9%.
Africa recorded the world’s fastest cargo growth at 13.3%.
Middle East airlines experienced the largest decline at 8.9%.
Asia–North America remained the fastest-growing international cargo trade lane.
The Ameh News Analysis
The latest IATA report highlights a significant shift in global air cargo dynamics. While geopolitical tensions continue to weigh heavily on Middle Eastern carriers, African airlines are benefiting from expanding trade links with Asia and increasing investment in logistics infrastructure.
The sustained growth across major economies also suggests that global supply chains are becoming more resilient despite ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainties.
Global air cargo demand rose 6% in May 2026, with African airlines recording the world’s strongest growth at 13.3%, according to IATA. Middle East carriers remained under pressure from regional conflict.