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Global air cargo set a new record, growing 4.1% in October 2025 from the same month last year, according to the International Air Transport Association
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This marks eight straight months of growth
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Capacity grew 5.1% for the same period (+6.4% for international operations)
Global air cargo set a new record, growing 4.1% in October 2025 from the same month last year (+4.8% international operations). This marks the eighth consecutive month of expansion, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Air freight volumes in October increased across most major trade corridors, with the notable exceptions of trade lanes between North America and Asia, and within Europe, the association said.
Europe–Asia posted the strongest performance with double-digit growth, followed by solid gains on Middle East–Asia, Africa–Asia, and Within Asia routes. Europe–North America also recorded modest positive growth. Europe–Middle East was broadly flat.
In a statement, IATA director general Willie Walsh said: “While the Asia-North America trade lane extended its contraction to six months, October saw double-digit or near double-digit growth within Asia, between the Middle East and Europe, and between Europe and Asia. This shifting growth pattern shows that air cargo is enabling global supply chains to adapt to the impact of US tariffs. This positive news is especially significant as the air cargo sector enters the peak fourth quarter shipping season.”
READ: Global air cargo keeps growth momentum, up 2.9% in September
Several factors in the operating environment should be noted, according to IATA.
- The global goods trade grew by 3% year-on-year in September
- Global industrial production rose 3.7% year-on-year in September, the fastest pace since March 2025 and the strongest monthly reading since late 2022
- Jet fuel prices increased 2.5% in October even as crude fell, with a tightening diesel market driving the jet crack spread to nearly double last year’s level
- Global manufacturing sentiment strengthened slightly in October, with the PMI rising for the third consecutive month to reach 51.45. New export orders deteriorated slightly to 48.31
