Global air cargo demand up 2.9% in September: IATA

“Air cargo demand grew 2.9 per cent year-on-year in September, marking the seventh consecutive month of overall growth. Buried in that growth is a significant alteration of trade patterns as US tariff policies, including the ending of de minimis exemptions, kick in. On one side of the equation, a decline in North America-Asia demand has set in over the last five months. But this has been more than compensated for with strong growth within Asia and on routes linking Asia to Europe, Africa and the Middle East. While many had feared an unwinding of global trade, we are instead seeing air cargo adapting successfully to serve shifting market demands,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general.

In September, Asia-Pacific airlines saw a 6.8 per cent year-on-year growth in air cargo demand in September. Capacity increased by 4.8 per cent year-on-year. North American carriers saw a 1.2 per cent year-on-year decrease in growth for air cargo in September. Capacity decreased by 1.5 per cent year-on-year. European carriers saw a 2.5 per cent year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in September. Capacity increased 4.4 per cent year-on-year. Middle Eastern carriers saw a 0.6 per cent year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in September. Capacity increased by 5.5 per cent year-on-year. Latin American carriers saw a 2.2 per cent year-on-year decrease in demand for air cargo in September, the slowest growth of all regions. Capacity increased by 3.1 per cent year-on-year. African airlines saw a 14.7 per cent year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in September, the strongest rise of all regions. Capacity increased by 7.4 per cent year-on-year.

Air freight volumes in September 2025 increased 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.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (RR)