Global air cargo demand continued its strong momentum into February rising 11.2% according to the latest data released by the International Air Transport Association (Iata).
The data, released on Monday, shows total demand increased by 11.2% compared to February 2025, with international operations growing by 11.6%.
Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTK), rose by 8.5% year-on-year, and by 9.8% for international services.
Iata Director General Willie Walsh said even considering the boost that February received from the movement of goods ahead of Chinese Lunar New Year, the month showed strong growth.
“The outbreak of war in the Middle East at the end of the month, however, makes it difficult to see how full-year performance will unfold. Sharply rising fuel costs, fuel scarcity in parts of the world, and the severe disruption to key cargo hubs in the Gulf are major shifts,” Walsh said.
“ While air cargo has repeatedly proven its resilience in the face of disruption, an early resolution of the war along with a normalization of fuel supply and costs would be in everybody’s interest,” he said.
Supporting the positive demand trend, global goods trade grew by 5.2% in January. Jet fuel prices rose 1.2% in February, with a widening Brent–jet fuel crack spread underscoring volatility in refining margins.
Global manufacturing sentiment also strengthened, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) climbing to 53.1 – remaining above the 50-point expansion threshold – while the PMI for new export orders reached 51.4, its highest level since July 2021.
Regional performances varied significantly. African airlines recorded the strongest growth in demand (21%), with capacity up 17.3%. Asia-Pacific carriers saw demand rise 13.6%, supported by 10.1% capacity growth.
Middle Eastern carriers posted 16.5% demand growth and 13.5% capacity increase, while North American carriers reported 9.4% demand growth against 5.3% capacity growth. European carriers managed 6.9% demand and 6.1% capacity increases. Latin American and Caribbean carriers showed the weakest result, with demand up just 0.7% and capacity rising 4.5%.
Air freight volumes increased across all major trade lanes in February. Notable gains included Africa-Asia (61.9%), Middle East-Asia (24%)), and Europe-Asia (13.1%). Asia-North America grew 9.1%, while intra-Asia traffic rose 9.1% for 28 straight months.
Iata represents more than 360 airlines accounting for some 85% of global air traffic. Its statistics cover international and domestic scheduled air cargo for member and non-member airlines.
