Global airfreight volumes declined 4% in the first full week of August, reflecting weaker demand across major trade lanes, according to the latest data from WorldACD. Chargeable weight fell from all major regions during the week of August 3–9, 2026.
The Middle East and South Asia recorded the sharpest decline, with air cargo tonnage falling 6% week-on-week. Volumes from Europe and North America decreased by 4%, while Asia-Pacific shipments declined 3%. Africa and Central and South America recorded smaller 2% declines.
The weakness was particularly visible on key Asia-Europe and Asia-US trade lanes, where volumes softened during the week. The decline comes after a period of relatively strong airfreight activity supported by global trade flows and demand for high-value and time-sensitive shipments.
Global air cargo capacity also edged lower, falling 1% week-on-week during the period. Despite the decline in volumes, market pricing remained comparatively firm, with average airfreight rates still around 22% higher than the same period last year.
The combination of lower tonnage and resilient pricing suggests that airlines and freight forwarders continue to operate in a market where capacity remains relatively disciplined. Geopolitical uncertainty, changing trade patterns and fluctuations in consumer and industrial demand are influencing shipment volumes across regions.
The Middle East and South Asia’s larger decline also reflects the continuing impact of disruptions affecting trade and transport flows in the region. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific remains an important source market for global air cargo, despite the weekly reduction.
Industry players will be watching subsequent August data closely to determine whether the early-month decline represents a temporary slowdown or the beginning of a broader softening in global airfreight demand.