Global air cargo growth hits sixth consecutive month in August

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for August 2025 global air cargo markets showing total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), rose by 4.1 percent compared to August 2024 levels (+5.1 percent for international operations) as a result of changes in global trade patterns.

Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), increased by 3.7 percent compared to August 2024 (+5.5 percent for international operations).

“Air cargo demand grew 4.1 percent in August, marking the sixth consecutive month of year-on-year growth. 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.

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“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,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Several factors in the operating environment include global goods trade which grew by 5.4 percent year-on-year in July and jet fuel prices in August which 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.

African airlines saw a 11.0 percent year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in August, the strongest rise of all regions. Capacity increased by 12.3 percent year-on-year.

Asia-Pacific airlines saw a 9.8 percent year-on-year growth in air cargo demand in August. Capacity increased by 6.9 percent year-on-year.

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 decreased by 1.0 percent year-on-year.

European carriers saw a 3.2 percent year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in August. Capacity increased 4.2 percent year-on-year.

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Middle Eastern carriers saw a 2.7 percent year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in August. Capacity increased by 4.3 percent year-on-year.

Latin American carriers saw a 2.1 percent year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in August. Capacity increased by 5.0 percent year-on-year.

Air 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.