The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported a 4% increase in global air cargo demand in April 2026 compared to the same month last year. This growth, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTK), comes despite significant disruptions at major Gulf hubs due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has reshaped trade routes and constrained capacity.

Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTK), saw a slight decrease of 0.4% year-on-year. Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, noted, “Air cargo demand grew 4% year-on-year in April, driven by strong Asia-linked trade flows. But this positive news masks a more complex operating environment.”

The report highlighted several factors affecting the air cargo sector. Global trade contracted by 2.1% in March, and jet fuel prices surged by 121.1% year-on-year in April. Despite these challenges, global manufacturing sentiment remained positive, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rising to 53.4.

Regionally, Asia-Pacific airlines experienced the strongest growth with a 10.5% increase in demand, whilst Middle Eastern carriers faced an 18.2% decline. Trade lanes such as Africa-Asia and Asia-Europe showed robust growth, whereas Gulf-linked corridors were severely impacted.

The coming months will test the air cargo sector's resilience amid geopolitical uncertainties and rising operational costs. IATA represents over 360 airlines, accounting for 85% of global air traffic, and continues to monitor these developments closely

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