The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that global air cargo demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), rose 6.0% year-on-year in May 2026 (6.5% for international operations), while capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), increased 1.9% (2.8% for international operations).
“Air cargo demand grew 6% year-on-year in May, with Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North American regions all reporting above trend growth. Carriers in the Middle East, however, reported a combined contraction of 8.9% year-on-year as war-related impacts continued.
May’s strong performance coupled with macro-economic factors give cautious optimism for air cargo’s prospects over the remainder of the year. Trade and manufacturing output are both growing. Airlines have adapted operations to align with shifting demand patterns and supply chain needs. Meanwhile, yield growth and higher load factors are helping to recoup higher fuel costs. It’s still a tough year, particularly as Middle East uncertainties weigh heavily on parts of the industry, but robust demand and airline resilience are clear,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
IATA noted that the operating environment remained broadly supportive for air cargo in May 2026, with global trade rising 5.0% year-on-year and manufacturing output remaining strong (PMI 53.5), despite weakening export orders (49.6). Meanwhile, jet fuel prices fell 16.3% month-on-month but remained significantly higher than a year earlier, indicating that cargo growth was driven by selected trade flows rather than a broad-based rebound in global exports.
