Kuala lumpur: Total demand for global air cargo saw a significant increase of 6.0 percent in May 2026 compared to the same month in 2025, with international operations experiencing a 6.5 percent rise.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported these figures, highlighting strong performance across several regions.
Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres, experienced a modest growth of 1.9 percent compared to May 2025, with international operations seeing a 2.8 percent increase. IATA director-general Willie Walsh highlighted the above-trend growth in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America, although Middle Eastern carriers faced a contraction of 8.9 percent due to ongoing war-related impacts.
Walsh emphasized the cautious optimism for air cargo's prospects over the remainder of the year, pointing to growing trade and manufacturing output. He noted that airlines have adapted to shifting demand patterns, and yield growth alongside higher load factors is aiding in recouping increased fuel costs. Despite challenges, particularly in West Asia, robust demand and airline resilience are evident.
The report further detailed regional performances, with Asia-Pacific airlines recording an 8.0 percent year-on-year increase in demand, while capacity rose by 5.1 percent. North American carriers posted a strong performance with a 10.5 percent rise in demand and a 2.4 percent increase in capacity. European carriers saw a 6.7 percent demand increase alongside a 2.2 percent capacity rise. In contrast, Middle Eastern carriers experienced the weakest performance, with a decline in demand by 8.9 percent and a capacity drop of 9.2 percent.
Global trade extended its growth streak with a 5.0 percent year-on-year increase, marking 25 consecutive months of annual growth. Jet fuel prices fell by 16.3 percent month-on-month in May but were still significantly higher than the previous year.
While global manufacturing activity remained supportive, export orders weakened. The Global Manufacturing Output Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 53.5, but the New Export Orders Index stayed below 50 at 49.6, indicating selective trade flow support for air cargo growth rather than a widespread increase in global exports.
On trade lane growth, the performance diverged across major trade lanes in May. Asia-North America led growth, followed by Africa-Asia, intra-Europe, and Europe-Asia, whereas Gulf-linked corridors faced severe disruptions due to conflict in West Asia.