Global air cargo demand increased significantly in 2025, according to the latest data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Figures from the global trade association for the airline industry show full-year demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres, increased by 3.4 per cent year on year, while international [JH1] operations grew by 4.2 per cent.
Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres, grew slightly faster, at 3.7 per cent overall and 5.1 per cent internationally.
In December 2025, global demand was 4.3 per cent higher than in the same month in 2024, with international demand up by 5.5 per cent, while capacity increased by 4.5 per cent and 6.4 per cent for international.
‘Global e-commerce strength drove volumes, even as trading relationships with the US faced rising tariffs, the removal of de minimis tariff exemptions and continuing policy uncertainty,’ said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
‘Air cargo rose to the occasion. It adapted quickly to support global businesses and supply chains as they front-loaded product deliveries ahead of tariff impositions and adjusted to rising demand within Asia – and between Asia and Europe – as US-Asia trade stagnated.
‘Growth in 2026 is expected to moderate slightly, to 2.4 per cent, in line with historical trends. We can expect that demand will continue to be shaped by trade and geopolitical developments. Whatever trading patterns emerge, we can be confident that reliance on air cargo to keep global supply chains running will remain, with carriers responding to the challenge by deploying capacity and designing their networks for optimum flexibility.’