Global air cargo demand grew by 4.4% year-on-year in August 2026, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTK), as the market built strong momentum ahead of the year-end peak season.
According to data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), international operations led the growth with a 5.3% increase in demand. Meanwhile, total global capacity contracted by 0.1%, enabling airlines to improve load factors and yields for the first time since April despite a 79.2% year-on-year surge in jet fuel costs.
The sector’s solid performance reflects broader macroeconomic strength, supported by a 6.0% expansion in global goods trade and rising manufacturing activity, with the global manufacturing output Purchasing Managers’ Index reaching 53.0 points. While all geographic regions posted demand gains, performance and capacity strategies varied widely: North American carriers led global growth with a 6.6% demand increase alongside a 2.5% capacity reduction, European carriers saw demand rise 4.1% as capacity fell 3.5%, and African airlines registered a 3.0% demand increase against a sharp 14.0% capacity surge, signaling aggressive fleet redeployment and heightened regional competition.
AP/Sf/lb/abj/APA