Global air cargo demand rose 5.6% in January 2026 compared to January 2025, with cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK) up 7.2% for international operations, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), increased 3.6% overall and 5.7% internationally, lifting load factors to 45.1%.
Regional performance varied sharply. Asia-Pacific airlines recorded 7.8% demand growth, with capacity up 3.3%. European carriers saw 6.9% demand increase and 4.9% capacity rise. Middle Eastern operators achieved the second-highest demand growth at 9.3%, backed by 9.9% capacity expansion. African airlines led with 18.2% demand surge and 6.5% capacity growth. In contrast, North American carriers faced a 0.5% demand decline and 0.2% capacity drop, while Latin American and Caribbean operators reported a 2.0% demand decrease despite 2.3% capacity gain.
Trade lanes showed growth across most corridors except Asia-North America. This robust start follows 2025’s 3.4% annual CTK growth. Early 2026 weekly data from WorldACD indicated 5% volume rise in the first full week and a 26% week-on-week rebound in week two, led by Middle East and South Asia at 16%, Asia-Pacific at 8%, and North America at 7%. IATA projects 2.6% air cargo traffic growth for 2026 overall.