Staff Writer
Global air cargo demand continued to grow in November 2025, supported by year-end shipping activity and steady trade flows, according to new data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Total air cargo demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres, increased by 5.5% year-on-year in November. International operations recorded stronger growth of 6.9%. Available cargo capacity rose by 4.7% compared with the same month in 2024, while international capacity increased by 6.5%.
IATA director general Willie Walsh said the growth was driven by shippers prioritising speed and reliability ahead of the holiday season, along with strong demand from emerging markets. He said selective growth in the Middle East helped offset weaker performance in the Americas, where airlines continue to adjust to the new United States tariff regime.
Despite regional differences, Walsh said global air cargo performance in the fourth quarter of 2025 remained resilient, supported by the re-routing of trade flows. He added that the strong end to the year placed the industry in a solid position going into 2026.
The wider operating environment sent mixed signals. Global goods trade expanded by 3.2% year-on-year in October. Global manufacturing sentiment improved for a fourth straight month in November, with the purchasing managers’ index rising to 51.17. New export orders remained below the expansion level at 49.87, reflecting continued caution linked to tariff uncertainty.
Jet fuel prices rose by 5.9% in November, even as crude oil prices declined. The increase was linked to refinery disruptions, European Union restrictions on Russian-derived products and limited spare refining capacity.
African airlines recorded the strongest regional performance. Air cargo demand rose by 15.6% year-on-year in November, while capacity increased by 18.1%. Asia-Pacific carriers also posted strong growth, with demand up by 10.3% and capacity by 8.4%.
European airlines saw cargo demand rise by 5.8%, supported by a 4.1% increase in capacity. Middle Eastern carriers recorded a 7.4% increase in demand, while capacity grew by 11.0%. North American carriers reported a 1.6% decline in demand. Latin American and Caribbean airlines recorded the weakest results, with demand falling by 4.8%.
Trade lane data showed growth across most major routes. The Europe–Asia corridor continued its long-running expansion, recording 11.7% growth for a 33rd consecutive month. Intra-Asia trade increased by 15.8%, while volumes between North America and Europe rose by 5.0%. The only major decline was within Europe, where volumes fell by 4.9% for a fourth straight month.
IATA represents about 360 airlines, accounting for more than 80% of global air traffic, and compiles air cargo data covering both international and domestic scheduled operations.
Caption
Global air cargo demand grew steadily in November.
- Photo: Contributed
