January 29, 2026

Global air cargo demand achieved record volume in 2025

According to data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), full-year global air freight demand for 2025, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers, increased 3.4% compared to 2024 (4.2% for international operations).

Full-year capacity in 2025, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers, increased by 3.7% compared to 2024 (5.1% for international operations).

IATA notes that December 2025 brought the year to a close with continued strong performance. Global demand was 4.3% above December 2024 levels (5.5% for international operations). Global capacity was 4.5% above December 2024 levels (6.4% for international operations).

"Air cargo delivered a strong performance in 2025, with demand up 3.4% year-on-year. Global e-commerce strength drove volumes, even as trading relationships with the US faced rising tariffs, the removal of de minimis tariff exemptions, and continuing policy uncertainty. Air cargo rose to the occasion. It adapted quickly to support global businesses and supply chains as they front-loaded product deliveries ahead of tariff impositions and adjusted to rising demand within Asia and between Asia and Europe as US-Asia trade stagnated," said Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General.

North American carriers saw a 1.3% year-on-year decline in demand growth for air cargo in 2025, the only regional decline and the weakest performance globally. Capacity decreased by 1.1% year-on-year. December year-on-year demand decreased 2.2% and capacity decreased 2.6%.

Source: IATA