Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Global demand for air cargo transportation increased by 4.4% year-on-year in August 2026, while airline capacity declined by 0.1%, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said.
Demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres, increased by 5.3% on international routes.
Available capacity on international routes, meanwhile, increased by 0.1%. The industry’s average load factor rose by 2 percentage points to 46%.
“In August, air cargo demand increased by 4.4% year-on-year, with growth recorded in all regions despite a 0.1% decline in capacity.
“Strong demand and higher load factors helped airlines partially offset exceptionally high fuel costs. Yields increased month-on-month for the first time since April, while global merchandise trade continues to grow.
“Both factors are a positive signal ahead of the year-end peak season,” said Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s Senior Vice President of Sustainability and Chief Economist.
North American carriers recorded the strongest growth, with cargo volumes increasing by 6.6% while capacity declined by 2.5%. Demand among airlines in Latin America and the Caribbean rose by 5.1%, while demand in the Asia-Pacific region increased by 4.3%, Europe by 4.1% and Africa by 3%. Middle Eastern carriers recorded the weakest demand growth at 1%, while their capacity increased by 3.3%. African airlines expanded capacity by 14%.
Performance varied across major trade routes. The Asia-North America route recorded the strongest growth at 13.2%, marking its seventh consecutive month of expansion. Intra-Asia cargo volumes increased by 6.1%, while traffic between Europe and North America rose by 4.3% and between Europe and Asia by 3.1%.
According to IATA, corridors linked to the Gulf countries remain disrupted by the conflict in the Middle East. Cargo traffic between Europe and the Middle East fell by 12.1%, while traffic between the Middle East and Asia declined by 11%. The Africa-Asia route lost 11.9% and has declined for the third consecutive month.
IATA also highlighted several factors affecting the industry. Global trade increased by 6% year-on-year in July, marking its 33rd consecutive month of growth.
Jet fuel prices rose by 8.3% in August from the previous month and were 79.2% higher than a year earlier.
The global manufacturing purchasing managers’ index increased by 0.3 points to 53.
The new export orders index rose by 1.4 points to 51.4. According to the association, both indicators are supporting demand for air cargo transportation.
IATA represents more than 370 airlines, accounting for about 85% of global air traffic.
