Global air cargo demand rises 5.8% in April: IATA

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported a 5.8 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase in global air cargo demand in April 2025, with international operations rising by 6.5 per cent. Capacity grew 6.3 per cent YoY, supported by a 6.9 per cent increase in international capacity.

“Seasonal demand for fashion and consumer goods—front-loading ahead of US tariff changes—and lower jet fuel prices have combined to boost air cargo. With available capacity at record levels and yields improving, the outlook for air cargo is encouraging," said Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general.

Asia-Pacific and Latin American airlines posted the strongest annual growth in demand at 10.0 per cent and 10.1 per cent respectively, while Middle Eastern carriers recorded the weakest at 2.3 per cent. North American, European, and African airlines saw moderate gains of 4.2 per cent, 2.9 per cent, and 4.7 per cent respectively.

All major international trade lanes registered growth, apart from Middle East-Europe, Africa-Asia, and intra-Europe. The global manufacturing PMI rose to 50.5, but export orders remained subdued at 47.2. Jet fuel prices declined 21.2 per cent YoY, marking a third consecutive monthly drop, IATA said in a release.

IATA noted that air cargo growth continued to outperform global goods trade, which rose 6.5 per cent month-on-month in March, amid a 3.2 per cent increase in global industrial production.

“While April brought good news, stresses in world trade are no secret. Shifts in trade policy, particularly in the US, are already reshaping demand and export dynamics. Airlines will need to remain flexible as the situation develops over the coming months," Walsh added.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (HU)