The air cargo sector posted another strong month in October 2025, with global demand rising 4.1% year-on-year, according to new data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The increase marks the eighth consecutive month of expansion and sets a new monthly record for cargo volumes.
Capacity also grew, up 5.1% compared to October 2024, as airlines added more space to meet sustained demand. International operations saw even stronger performance, with international demand up 4.8% and capacity expanding 6.4%.
IATA Director General Willie Walsh said the latest figures show how air cargo continues to adapt to shifting global trade flows. “Double-digit growth within Asia, and on routes linking Europe with both Asia and the Middle East, shows how supply chains are adjusting to the impact of US tariffs,” he said. “This momentum is especially important as we enter the peak fourth-quarter shipping season.”
Economic indicators support cargo rebound
The positive October results came amid broader improvements in global trade and production:
- Global goods trade increased 5.3% in September.
- Industrial production grew 3.7%, the fastest since March 2025.
- Manufacturing sentiment edged higher, with the PMI registering 51.45, though new export orders remained below the expansion threshold.
Jet fuel prices, however, rose 2.5% in October despite falling crude prices, driven by a tightening diesel market.
Regional performance: Africa leads, North America lags
Growth varied significantly across regions:
- Africa posted the strongest performance, with demand surging 16.6%.
- Asia-Pacific carriers saw demand climb 8.3%, supported by strong intra-Asian flows.
- Middle Eastern airlines recorded a 5.7% rise, boosted by connections to Asia and Europe.
- Europe saw moderate growth of 4.3%.
- North America and Latin America both posted a 2.7% decline, the weakest results globally.
Trade lanes: Europe–Asia dominates
Most major trade lanes expanded in October, with standout performances on:
- Europe–Asia: +11.7%
- Middle East–Asia: +11.5%
- Africa–Asia: +10.9%
- Within Asia: +9.0%
Traffic between North America and Asia continued to contract (-1.4%), extending a six-month slide, while within Europe fell for a third straight month.
Despite pockets of weakness, the sustained global growth underscores the sector’s resilience as it navigates shifting trade dynamics and elevated economic uncertainty.