Global air cargo and passenger demand increased 3.9 per cent and 0.2 per cent, respectively year-on-year in July 2026, airlines in Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America accounting for more than 90 per cent of the overall growth.
The International Air Transport Association disclosed this in its latest global air cargo market data for July 2026. According to the association, total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres, increased 3.9 per cent compared with July 2025, while international operations recorded stronger growth of 4.7 per cent.
Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres, also rose 1.7 per cent year-on-year, while international capacity increased 1.8 per cent.
Commenting on the performance, IATA’s Senior Vice President, Sustainability and Chief Economist, Marie Thomsen, said the outlook for air cargo remained broadly positive despite rising fuel costs and geopolitical uncertainties.
She said, “Air cargo demand grew 3.9 per cent year-on-year in July. While all regions recorded growth, airlines in Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America accounted for more than 90 per cent 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. Looking ahead, the outlook remains broadly positive, supported by manufacturing activity, export orders and global trade.
