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International air cargo demand in Asia Pacific rose by 2.5% year-on-year in March 2026 amid supply chain disruptions and cargo flight cancellations and re-routing due to the conflict in the Middle East
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For the first quarter of the year, demand improved 5.7% year-on-year to 19.508 billion FTK while average international freight load factor increased by 0.4 percentage points
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Asian carriers flew a combined total of 33.9 million passengers in March, representing an 8.5% year-on-year increase
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AAPA director general Wong Hong said the impact of the Middle East conflict “has begun to weigh on” and is going to add uncertainty to the global economic outlook and air travel demand
International air cargo demand in Asia Pacific rose by 2.5% year-on-year in March 2026 amid supply chain disruptions and cargo flight cancellations and re-routing due to the conflict in the Middle East, according to preliminary figures released by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA).
Boosted by increased demand for timely shipments, international air cargo demand grew to 7.076 billion freight tonne kilometers (FTK) during the month.
Offered freight capacity rose by 3.8%, resulting in a 0.7 percentage point decline in the average international freight load factor to 62.3%.
For the first quarter of the year, demand improved 5.7% year-on-year to 19.508 billion FTK while average international freight load factor increased by 0.4 percentage points.
Asian carriers flew a combined total of 33.9 million passengers in March, representing an 8.5% year-on-year increase.
AAPA said this reflects a “healthy travel appetite” with Asian carriers also benefiting from an upsurge in demand on Asia-Europe routes, as travellers shifted to alternative routings following airspace closures and operational disruptions at Middle East hubs.
Demand, as measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), rose by a solid 11.3%, reflecting strength on longer-haul routes. This increase in demand significantly outpaced the 1.9% year-on-year expansion in available seat capacity. As a result, the average international passenger load factor rose markedly, by 7.4 percentage points to a record high of 87.6% in March.
For January to March 2026, the region’s carriers handled 102.093 million passengers, up 6.2% year-on-year.
“The aviation industry faced multiple challenges in March, as military conflict in the Middle East led to flight cancellations and a sharp increase in jet fuel prices. Asia Pacific airlines responded swiftly by making network adjustments, including adding flights on key Asia – Europe routes and trimming unprofitable routes in the face of higher fuel and operating costs,” AAPA director general Wong Hong said in a statement.
Hong noted, however, that the impact of the Middle East conflict “has begun to weigh on what had been an encouraging start to the year.”
“Already grappling with high operating costs due to persistent supply chain issues, airlines are now facing additional strain, with jet fuel prices up by 80% year-on-year to an average of US$156 per barrel in March, compared to US$87 per barrel a year earlier. Fuel remains the single largest cost item for Asia Pacific carriers, accounting for around 30% of total operating expenses.”
Looking ahead, Hong concluded, “The duration of the Middle East conflict is going to add uncertainty to the global economic outlook and air travel demand. Against this backdrop, Asia Pacific airlines continue to maintain vigilance over cost controls while maintaining international connectivity. The region’s airlines remain committed to the highest safety standards, and to working closely with governments and industry stakeholders to ensuring safe, efficient and sustainable operations.”
READ: Asia Pacific airlines’ April cargo, passenger demand up despite economic headwinds
