According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), air cargo volumes increased by 7.7% year-on-year, while available capacity increased by only 2.7%. The increase in traffic affects all regions, but the increase in fuel costs affects the profitability of the companies.

The global air cargo market increased again in September 2026. According to data published on 29 October by IATA, demand, measured in tonnes-kilometres of freight (TKT), increased by 7.7% compared to September 2025. On international transactions, the increase was 8.6%.

At the same time, available capacity, measured in tonne-kilometres of available cargo (ACTK), increased by 2.7% worldwide and by 3.3% on international routes. The load factor for cargo aircraft has thus gained 2.2 points over a year, reaching 47.9%.

This development is based in particular on the increase in trade and industrial activity. World trade increased by 3.6 per cent in August, extending its annual growth series to 42 months. Manufacturing indicators have also improved.

The PMI index of world manufacturing output gained 0.7 points, at 53.8 points, while that of new export orders reached 51.9 points. Both indicators are at their highest level in five years. Shipments related to artificial intelligence also supported flows, particularly on transpacific links.

North America recorded the largest regional growth, with a 11.8% increase in demand, ahead of Asia-Pacific (+8.6 %). Latin America and the Caribbean grew by 6.7%, followed by Africa (+4.7%), Europe (+4.5%) and the Middle East (+3.8%). In Africa, this increase occurs while available capacity has declined by 1.2 per cent.

They also declined in Europe (-1.6%), while they rose in the other regions. On the main trade routes, Asia-North America traffic recorded the highest growth. However, trade between Europe and the Middle East, as well as between the Middle East and Asia, has declined.

However, the increase in demand is accompanied by a significant increase in operating costs. Air fuel prices increased 17.5% between August and September and were 103.4% above their September 2025 level.

Marie Owens Thomsen, Senior Vice-President for Sustainable Development and Chief Economist of IATA, noted that company returns did not follow this increase. Despite available volumes of goods and sustained demand, maintaining profitability becomes more difficult for carriers.