IATA is standing by its air cargo forecast of 6% growth in 2025, despite speculation about the resumption of shipping through the Red Sea. 

Speaking to Air Cargo News at the IATA World Cargo Symposium (WCS), IATA director general, Willie Walsh, said there would not be a significant impact on air cargo.

Walsh emphasized that air cargo serves a distinct market segment— time-sensitive and high-value products—and would unlikely see significant volume loss even if ocean routes reopen. IATA expects volumes to reach 72.5 million tonnes, supported by e-commerce and ongoing Red Sea-related disruptions.

Any shift from air back to sea is expected to be marginal. Walsh noted that while volumes may not spike, yields often rise when ocean freight disruptions push urgent cargo into air channels.

Source: Air Cargo News