The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for April 2026 global air cargo markets showing total demand, measured in cargo ton-kilometers (CTK), increased by 4% compared to April 2025 levels (+4.0% for international operations), and capacity, measured in available cargo ton-kilometers (ACTK), decreased by -0.4% compared to April 2025 (-0.9% for international operations).
“Air cargo demand grew 4% year-on-year in April, driven by strong Asia-linked trade flows. But this positive news masks a more complex operating environment. Severe disruption at major Gulf hubs due to the war in the Middle East continued to reshape trade routes and constrain capacity on key corridors. With dedicated freighters carrying much of the growth, air cargo is once again keeping supply chains moving amid trade disruptions. The coming months will test how well the sector can absorb continued geopolitical uncertainty and elevated operating costs,” says Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general.
Key takeaways:
- Global trade contracted in March by 2.1% month-on-month after four consecutive months of growth, highlighting the continued vulnerability of trade momentum to geopolitical shocks.
- Jet fuel prices rose sharply in April, up 121.1% year-on-year, alongside a 77.7% increase in crude oil prices.
- Global manufacturing sentiment remained in growth territory in April, strengthening from March. The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose 1.9 points to 53.4, while the PMI for new export orders reached 50.2. With both indicators above
- North American carriers saw a 5% year-on-year increase in air cargo demand in April. Capacity increased by 1.2% year-on-year.
