By Eamonn Ryan
IATA reports stronger cargo volumes in April as airlines navigate Middle East conflict, rising fuel costs and shifting trade routes.
Image by IATA
Global air cargo markets remained resilient in April 2026, with demand continuing to grow despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, constrained capacity and significantly higher operating costs.
According to the latest data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global air cargo demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTKs), increased by 4% compared to April 2025. At the same time, available cargo capacity declined by 0.4% year-on-year, while international cargo capacity fell by 0.9%.
The figures highlight the continued importance of air freight in supporting global supply chains, particularly as disruptions in key regions force logistics providers to adapt to changing trade patterns.
Trade flows support demand growth
IATA noted that strong trade activity across Asia was a major contributor to cargo growth during the month. Trade lanes linking Asia with Europe and other regional markets remained particularly active, supporting demand across several major aviation markets.
Commenting on the results, IATA director general Willie Walsh said the positive performance masked a more challenging operating environment. While demand remained robust, he noted that ongoing conflict in the Middle East continued to disrupt operations at several important aviation hubs, affecting capacity and rerouting cargo flows across the region.
The association said dedicated freighter aircraft played a key role in maintaining supply chain continuity during the period, helping compensate for operational disruptions on affected routes.
Fuel costs create additional pressure
The industry’s operating environment was further complicated by sharply higher fuel prices. According to IATA, jet fuel prices during April were more than double those recorded during the same period last year, while crude oil prices also experienced substantial increases.
The rise in fuel costs places additional pressure on airline profitability and freight rates, particularly as operators seek to balance growing demand with rising expenses. Industry stakeholders will be closely monitoring market conditions over the coming months as geopolitical uncertainty and cost pressures continue to influence the sector.
Regional performance varies
Performance across global regions was uneven, reflecting differing economic conditions and operational challenges. Asia-Pacific airlines recorded the strongest growth among major regions, with cargo demand increasing by 10.5% year-on-year. The improvement was driven largely by strong manufacturing output and trade activity within Asia, as well as continued growth on Asia-Europe routes. Capacity in the region increased by 5.3%.
European carriers also reported positive results, with cargo demand rising by 6%, while North American airlines achieved 5% growth. Capacity increased modestly in both regions.
In contrast, airlines in the Middle East experienced significant declines as regional instability continued to affect operations. Cargo demand in the region fell by 18.2%, while available capacity declined by 22.9%.
Africa records strong demand growth
African airlines reported a 7.7% increase in cargo demand compared with April 2025, despite experiencing a 9.4% reduction in available capacity. The decline in capacity resulted in improved utilisation rates, with Africa’s cargo load factor rising to 49.1%, exceeding the global average.
While Africa remains a relatively small participant in the global air freight market, accounting for just over 2% of total cargo activity, the latest figures suggest continued opportunities for growth as trade links between Africa and Asia strengthen.
Routes connecting Africa and Asia were among the strongest-performing trade corridors during the month, highlighting the increasing importance of these markets for future cargo expansion.
Outlook remains cautiously positive
Despite ongoing challenges, the latest data indicates that global air cargo remains on a growth trajectory. Demand continues to benefit from resilient international trade activity, particularly across Asian markets, although geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and elevated fuel prices are expected to remain key risks for the sector.
As airlines and freight operators adapt to changing market conditions, flexibility, network optimisation and operational resilience are likely to play an increasingly important role in sustaining growth throughout the remainder of the year.
Source: Adapted from data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Air Cargo Market Analysis – April 2026, published 28 May 2026.