Global Air Cargo Demand Achieved Record Volume in 2025

Global air cargo demand reached a record high in 2025, with volumes rising 3.4% year-on-year, driven by strong Asia-Pacific growth and resilient trade flows despite tariff pressures. December 2025 alone saw demand up 4.3% compared to the previous year, marking a strong finish.

Key Performance Highlights (2025)
- Full-Year Demand (CTK): Up 3.4% vs. 2024 (international operations +4.2%).
- Full-Year Capacity (ACTK): Up 3.7% vs. 2024 (international operations +5.1%).
- December 2025:
- Demand +4.3% (international +5.5%).
- Capacity +4.5% (international +6.4%).
- Yields: Fell 1.5% year-on-year, the smallest decline in three years, signaling a more balanced supply-demand environment.

Regional Trends
- Asia-Pacific: Strongest growth at +8.4% demand, fueled by intra-Asia and Europe-Asia trade lanes.
- Europe-Asia Trade: Expanded 10.3%, reflecting robust manufacturing and e-commerce flows.
- Within Asia: Grew 10.0%, highlighting regional supply chain resilience.
- North America: Only region to decline (-1.3% demand), impacted by tariff pressures and removal of the U.S. de minimis exemption.

Market Drivers
- E-commerce: Still a major contributor, though less dominant than during the pandemic peak.
- High-Value Cargo: Technology, pharmaceuticals, and time-critical goods increasingly define demand.
- Trade Lane Shifts: Asia-Europe and intra-Asia routes grew, while Asia–North America weakened.

✅ Summary: 2025 was a record-breaking year for global air cargo, with demand growth led by Asia-Pacific and Europe-Asia trade lanes. While yields declined slightly, the market stabilized after pandemic-driven volatility. Looking ahead, 2026 is expected to bring moderate growth, with a shift toward high-value, time-critical cargo as the industry adapts to evolving trade dynamics.