IATA: Air cargo growth holds steady in August with 4.1% demand increase

Global air cargo demand remained resilient in August 2025, marking the sixth straight month of year-on-year growth, according to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Key highlights

• Total demand (CTK) rose 4.1% YoY (+5.1% international).
• Capacity (ACTK) increased 3.7% YoY (+5.5% international).
• Cargo load factor improved slightly to 44.2% (+0.2 ppt).

“Air cargo continues to grow even as trade patterns shift. Diversion from sea freight and changing tariff dynamics are fueling demand on Europe–Asia, Asia, Africa–Asia, and Middle East–Asia routes,” said Willie Walsh, IATA Director General.

Supporting factors

• Global goods trade up 5.4% YoY in July.
• Jet fuel prices fell 6.4%, their 14th consecutive monthly decline.
• Global manufacturing PMI rebounded to 51.75, though export order sentiment remains cautious.

Regional performance

• Africa: +11.0% demand (strongest globally), capacity +12.3%.
• Asia-Pacific: +9.8% demand, led by robust intra-Asia and Europe–Asia flows.
• Europe: +3.2% demand, steady performance.
• Middle East: +2.7% demand, capacity +4.3%.
• Latin America: +2.1% demand, moderate growth.
• North America: -2.1% demand, weakest globally, continuing recent declines.

Trade lanes

• Europe–Asia (+13.0%) and Within Asia (+12.4%) posted double-digit growth.
• North America–Europe (+7.8%) and Africa–Asia (+8.4%) also grew strongly.
• Asia–North America (-2.2%), Middle East–Europe (-0.8%), and Within Europe (-0.9%) saw declines.

Outlook

Air cargo remains a key stabiliser for global supply chains, benefiting from shifting trade routes and cost advantages. Growth is increasingly concentrated along Europe–Asia and intra-Asia corridors, while North American flows continue to lag.