Why Africa, Asia led growth for air cargo despite Middle East disruption – IATA

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for April 2026 global air cargo markets showing that Africa-Asia led growth followed by Asia-Europe, with intra-Asia also holding strong on regional trade.

In contrast, Gulf-linked corridors were severely disrupted by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

African airlines saw a 7.7 percent year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in April. Capacity decreased by -9.4 people year-on-year.

Asia-Pacific airlines saw a 10.5 percent year-on-year growth in air cargo demand in April, the strongest rise of all regions. Capacity increased by 5.3 percent year-on-year.

“Air cargo demand grew four percent year-on-year in April, driven by strong Asia-linked trade flows. But this positive news masks a more complex operating environment.

“Severe disruption at major Gulf hubs due to the war in the Middle East continued to reshape trade routes and constrain capacity on key corridors. With dedicated freighters carrying much of the growth, air cargo is once again keeping supply chains moving amid trade disruptions.

The coming months will test how well the sector can absorb continued geopolitical uncertainty and elevated operating costs,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), increased by 4.0 percent compared to April 2025 levels (+4.0 percent for international operations).

Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), decreased by -0.4 percent compared to April 2025 (-0.9percent for international operations).

Global trade contracted in March by 2.1 percent month-on-month after four consecutive months of growth, highlighting the continued vulnerability of trade momentum to geopolitical shocks.

Jet fuel prices rose sharply in April, up 121.1 percent year-on-year, alongside a 77.7 percent increase in crude oil prices.
Global manufacturing sentiment remained in growth territory in April, strengthening from March.

The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose 1.9 points to 53.4, while the PMI for new export orders reached 50.2. With both indicators above the 50-point expansion threshold, conditions remain supportive for air cargo demand.

North American carriers saw a 5.0 percent year-on-year increase in air cargo demand in April. Capacity increased by 1.2 percent year-on-year.

European carriers saw a 6.0 percent year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in April. Capacity increased by 3.0 percent year-on-year.

Middle Eastern carriers saw a -18.2 percent year-on-year decrease in demand for air cargo in April, the weakest performance of all regions. Capacity decreased by -22.9 percent year-on-year.

Latin American and Caribbean carriers saw a -2.8 percent year-on-year decrease in demand for air cargo in April. Capacity increased by 1.2 percent year-on-year.