Global air cargo demand returned to growth in April 2026 after a softer performance in previous months, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), signalling improving momentum in international trade and air freight activity.
IATA said total air cargo demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTKs), recorded year-on-year growth during April, supported by stronger cross-border trade flows, stabilising supply chains, and improved e-commerce shipments. International cargo volumes also posted gains across several major markets.
The industry body noted that capacity growth continued during the month as airlines expanded both passenger bellyhold and freighter operations. Available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTKs) increased compared with the previous year, reflecting higher international flight frequencies and improving fleet utilisation.
Air cargo demand was supported by rising manufacturing activity in parts of Asia and improving export orders from major trading economies. E-commerce and high-value shipments, including electronics, pharmaceuticals, and perishables, remained important contributors to cargo traffic growth.
However, IATA cautioned that geopolitical tensions, trade uncertainties, and supply chain disruptions continue to pose risks for the global air freight sector. Ongoing instability in West Asia and volatility in shipping markets have also prompted some shippers to shift select cargo movements toward air transport to avoid delays.
Regional performance remained mixed, with airlines in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East recording stronger cargo demand trends, while some markets in Europe and North America continued to face economic headwinds and softer consumer demand.
Industry analysts said the return to growth indicates improving resilience in the global cargo market after a period of fluctuating demand linked to economic uncertainty and inventory corrections. Airlines are also continuing to adjust capacity deployment and network strategies to capture emerging cargo opportunities.
IATA expects the air cargo sector to remain cautiously optimistic for the remainder of the year, supported by recovering trade activity, continued e-commerce expansion, and gradual improvement in global supply chain conditions.
