The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its global air cargo data for August 2025.
The monthly report shows that total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), was up 4.1 percent from the total seen in August of last year.
At the same time, capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), increased by 3.7 percent compared to August 2024.
IATA director-general Willie Walsh said that the results show a sixth consecutive month of year-on-year growth.
According to Walsh: “Volumes continue to grow even as global trade patterns change. Air cargo has benefitted from a shift from sea for some high value goods as shippers try to minimize the risk of tariff changes. And growth patterns indicate some being diverted away from North America, fueling stronger growth for the Europe–Asia, Within Asia, Africa–Asia, and Middle East–Asia trade lanes. This adaptability is vital as shippers navigate the evolving landscape of US tariff policy.”
Factors taken into consideration in the August report
- The global goods trade grew by 5.4 percent year-on-year in July;
- Jet fuel prices in August were 6.4 percent lower year-on-year, marking the fourteenth consecutive month of year-on-year declines;
- Global manufacturing in August showed rising optimism in manufacturing PMI, with a rebound to 51.75, the strongest reading since June 2024;
- Sentiment on new export orders, however, remains below 50 at 48.73, reflecting persistent caution amid tariff uncertainty.
Regional performance in August 2025
Asia-Pacific airlines saw a 9.8 percent year-on-year growth in air cargo demand in August, while capacity increased by 6.9 percent year-on-year.
However, North American carriers saw a 2.1 percent year-on-year decrease in growth for air cargo in August, the slowest growth of all regions; capacity subsequently decreased by one percent year-on-year.
Meanwhile, European carriers saw a 3.2 percent year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in August, while capacity increased 4.2 percent year-on-year.
Middle Eastern carriers also saw a 2.7 percent year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in August., and capacity increased by 4.3 percent year-on-year.
Latin American carriers likewise saw a 2.1 percent year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in August, while capacity increased by five percent year-on-year.
African airlines saw an 11 percent year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in August, the strongest rise of all regions; capacity in the region was up 12.3 percent.
How the trade lanes fared in August
It should also be noted that freight volumes in August 2025 increased significantly across most major trade corridors.
Europe–Asia and Within Asia posted robust double-digit growth, while Middle East–Asia, North America-Europe, and Africa-Asia also saw notable gains.
In contrast, Asia–North America, Middle East–Europe and Within Europe recorded declines.
