Global Air Cargo Demand Rose by 11.2% in February

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its global air cargo data for February 2026. According to the figures, global air cargo demand increased by 11.2 percent compared to the same period last year.

Demand on international routes rose by 11.6 percent, while total capacity increased by 8.5 percent. Capacity growth for international operations was recorded at 9.8 percent. In addition, global goods trade expanded by 5.2 percent year-on-year in January.

Commenting on the February 2026 performance, IATA Director General Willie Walsh stated:

“Air cargo demand grew 11.2% in February. Even considering the boost that February received from the movement of goods ahead of Lunar New Year, the month showed strong growth. The outbreak of war in the Middle East at the end of the month, however, makes it difficult to see how full-year performance will unfold. Sharply rising fuel costs, fuel scarcity in parts of the world, and the severe disruption to key cargo hubs in the Gulf are major shifts. While air cargo has repeatedly proven its resilience in the face of disruption, an early resolution of the war along with a normalization of fuel supply and costs would be in everybody’s interest.”

Demand Increased Across All Regions

The February 2026 data show that air cargo demand increased in all major regions:

• Asia-Pacific carriers recorded a 13.6 percent increase in demand and a 10.1 percent rise in capacity.
• North American airlines saw demand grow by 9.4 percent, with capacity increasing by 5.3 percent.
• European carriers reported a 6.9 percent increase in demand and a 6.1 percent rise in capacity.
• Middle Eastern airlines posted the strongest growth, with demand rising by 16.5 percent and capacity increasing by 13.5 percent.

These results demonstrate the air cargo industry’s resilience in the face of global economic uncertainty and heightened geopolitical risks.

Source: IATA