September 10, 2026

Global air cargo demand was up 3.9 percent in July

According to data for July 2026 released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) global air freight demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), increased by 3.9% compared to July 2025 (4.7% for international operations).

Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), increased by 1.7% compared to July 2025 (1.8% for international operations).

"While all regions recorded growth, airlines in Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America accounted for more than 90% of the overall increase. Dedicated freighters gained market share as belly-hold traffic declined, possibly reflecting demand for larger or specialist shipments and the operational flexibility that freighters can provide," said Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA's Senior Vice President Sustainability and Chief Economist.

North American carriers saw a 4.8% year-on-year increase in air cargo demand in July, the strongest performance of all regions. Capacity decreased by 1.5% year-on-year.

European carriers saw a 4.4% year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in July. Capacity increased by 1.3% year-on-year.

Asia-Pacific airlines saw a 4.1% year-on-year growth in air cargo demand in July. Capacity increased by 3.0% year-on-year.

Source: IATA