Global air cargo demand showed signs of recovery in April 2026, rising 4% year-over-year, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The rebound follows a -4.8% contraction in March, highlighting the continued volatility in the air cargo market. The data also showed that capacity was down by 0.4% and the cargo load factor recorded an uptick of 1.9 percentage points from last year to 46%.
IATA’s April market analysis report noted that the recovery comes despite softer global trade indicators. Demand for time-sensitive shipments has remained resilient, supported by supply-chain adjustments and uncertainty surrounding shipping and global trade.
Regional performance highlights a mixed operating environment with Asia-linked trade leading growth. However, major hub operations remain disrupted. “Air cargo demand grew 4% year-on-year in April, driven by strong Asia-linked trade flows. But this positive news masks a more complex operating environment. Severe disruption at major Gulf hubs due to the war in the Middle East continued to reshape trade routes and constrain capacity on key corridors,” said IATA director general Willie Walsh.
These disruptions are reflected in regional performance. Airlines based in the Middle East recorded a -18.2% decline in demand, the weakest of all regions. In contrast, Asia-Pacific carriers posted the strongest growth at 10.5%, followed by Europe at 6% and North America at 5%. Other regions showed mixed results. Africa recorded a 7.7% increase, while Latin America experienced a -2.8% decline.
IATA noted that routes connecting Africa and Asia led overall route growth, followed by Asia–Europe lanes, while intra-Asia demand remained stable. Meanwhile, routes linked to the Gulf region continued to be disrupted.
IATA observed that higher fuel prices and persistent rerouting pressures have reinforced the role of air cargo in maintaining supply-chain continuity. Jet fuel prices rose by 121.1% in April compared to a year ago, while crude oil prices increased by 77.7%.
Against this backdrop, the sector faces a challenging outlook. “The coming months will test how well the sector can absorb continued geopolitical uncertainty and elevated operating costs,” said Walsh.
Source: IATA, IATA Market Analysis