Global air cargo demand in January 2026 increased by 5.6% year-on-year, according to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This figure exceeded the 4.3% growth in December. Moreover, the growth in the international segment was even more pronounced, with traffic volumes increasing by 7.2% year-on-year.
Adjusted for seasonality, the global market began the year with moderate but steady growth. Actual global cargo turnover reached approximately 22.5 billion tonne-kilometers, up from 19.3 billion a year earlier, representing an increase of almost 17%. At the same time, the rate of expansion of available capacity slowed: in January, supply increased by 3.6% year-on-year, although total capacity reached a record 49.7 billion tonne-kilometers.
According to IATA, regional dynamics remain uneven. Africa saw the largest growth, up 18.2%, driven by expanding trade links with Asia. The Middle East increased volumes by 9.3%, while Asia-Pacific and Europe grew by 7.8% and 6.9%, respectively. Meanwhile, the North American market contracted by 0.5%, recording its sixth consecutive month of decline, while Latin America and the Caribbean declined by 2%. IATA Director General Willie Walsh noted that the market remains resilient, but further developments will depend on geopolitical factors and changes in global trade.