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Air cargo demand in August 2025 increased by 4.1% compared to August 2024, according to the International Air Transport Association
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Capacity also increased by 3.7% year-on-year
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Both demand and capacity in all regions rose except in North America where a decline was recorded in both areas
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African airlines saw the highest increase in demand at 11% year-on-year
Air cargo demand in August 2025, measured in cargo ton-kilometers CTK), increased by 4.1% compared to August 2024 levels, indicating resilience amid global trade shifts and challenges, according to the latest data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Capacity, measured in available CTK, increased by 3.7% year-on-year (YoY).
Both demand and capacity in all regions rose except in North America where a decline was recorded in both areas.
“Air cargo demand grew 4.1% in August, marking the sixth consecutive month of year-on-year growth. Volumes continue to grow even as global trade patterns change. Air cargo has benefitted from a shift from sea for some high value goods as shippers try to minimize the risk of tariff changes,” IATA director general Willie Walsh said in a press release.
“And growth patterns indicate some being diverted away from North America, fueling stronger growth for the Europe–Asia, Within Asia, Africa–Asia, and Middle East–Asia trade lanes. This adaptability is vital as shippers navigate the evolving landscape of US tariff policy,” Walsh said.
READ: July 2025 air cargo volume up 5.5% – IATA
IATA, which represents some 350 airlines comprising over 80% of global air traffic, reported that global goods trade grew by 4% YoY in July.
The global manufacturing PMI rebounded to 51.75 in August, the strongest reading since June 2024, a sign of “rising optimism” in the sector. However, sentiment on new export orders remains below 50 at 48.73, reflecting continued caution as US tariff policies remain variable.
In regional performance, African airlines saw the highest increase in demand for air cargo in August at 11% YoY, while capacity increased by 12.3% YoY.
Asia-Pacific airlines came in second with a 9.8% YoY growth while capacity was up by 6.9% YoY.
European carriers saw a 3.2% YoY increase in demand; capacity increased 4.2% YoY.
Middle Eastern carriers had a 2.7% YoY increase in demand while capacity increased by 4.3%.
Latin American carriers saw a 2.1% YoY increase in demand and capacity growth was 5%.
North American carriers, meanwhile, saw a 2.1% YoY decrease in growth for air cargo in August while capacity decreased by 1% YoY.
Air freight volumes in August 2025 increased significantly across most major trade corridors with Europe–Asia and Within Asia posting robust double-digit growth. The Middle East–Asia, North America-Europe, and Africa-Asia routes also saw notable gains.
On the other hand, there was a drop in Asia–North America, Middle East–Europe, and Within Europe.
