Air Cargo Demand up 11.2% in February 2026
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for February 2026 global air cargo markets: Global Performance - Demand (CTKs) rose 11.2% year-on-year (+11.6% for international operations). - Capacity (ACTKs) increased 8.5% (+9.8% internationally). - Cargo load factor improved slightly to 46%. Regional Highlights - Africa: Strongest growth at +21%, capacity up 17.3%. - Middle East: Demand surged +16.5%, despite disruptions from war in the region. - Asia-Pacific: Demand up +13.6%, capacity +10.1%. - North America: Demand grew +9.4%, capacity +5.3%. - Europe: More modest growth, demand +6.9%, capacity +6.1%. - Latin America/Caribbean: Weakest at +0.7%, capacity +4.5%. Trade Lane Growth - Africa–Asia: Explosive +61.9%, continuing 8 months of growth. - Middle East–Asia: +24%, 12 months of growth. - Europe–Asia: +13.1%, now 36 months of consecutive growth. - Europe–North America: +5.7%, 25 months of growth. - Within Asia: +9.1%, 28 months of growth. Challenges - Rising jet fuel prices (+1.2% YoY) and volatility in refining margins. - War in the Middle East disrupting Gulf cargo hubs and tightening fuel supply. - Despite resilience, IATA stresses that normalization of fuel costs and resolution of conflict are critical for sustained growth.
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