Global air cargo demand rises 5.6% in January

ISTANBUL

The International Air Transport Association reported that total demand rose by 5.6% year-on-year in January.

International operations experienced a 7.2% increase in demand during the same period.

The association noted that capacity measured in available cargo ton-kilometers increased by 3.6% globally and 5.7% for international operations.

Willie Walsh, director general of the association, stated that the demand for air cargo had a robust start to 2026.

Carriers in Africa, the Middle East, the Asia-Pacific region and Europe reported faster growth than the global average.

Walsh highlighted that carriers in the Americas reported aggregate contractions in contrast to the rest of the world.

Walsh warned that the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East and evolving US trade policies would weigh heavy on global supply chains in the coming months.

ISTANBUL

The International Air Transport Association reported that total demand rose by 5.6% year-on-year in January.

International operations experienced a 7.2% increase in demand during the same period.

The association noted that capacity measured in available cargo ton-kilometers increased by 3.6% globally and 5.7% for international operations.

Willie Walsh, director general of the association, stated that the demand for air cargo had a robust start to 2026.

Carriers in Africa, the Middle East, the Asia-Pacific region and Europe reported faster growth than the global average.

Walsh highlighted that carriers in the Americas reported aggregate contractions in contrast to the rest of the world.

Walsh warned that the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East and evolving US trade policies would weigh heavy on global supply chains in the coming months.