The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported a significant rise in global air cargo markets for February 2026, with Africa leading the way in demand growth. Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), increased by 11.2% compared to February 2025, while international operations saw an uptick of 11.6%. In contrast, capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), rose by 8.5% overall and 9.8% for international operations.
Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, noted, “Air cargo demand grew 11.2% in February. Even considering the boost that February received from the movement of goods ahead of Lunar New Year, the month showed strong growth. However, with the outbreak of war in the Middle East at the end of the month, it is challenging to predict how full-year performance will unfold. Rising fuel costs, fuel scarcity in certain regions, and significant disruptions to key cargo hubs in the Gulf are major concerns. While air cargo has repeatedly shown resilience in the face of disruption, an early resolution of the conflict, along with a stabilization of fuel supply and costs, would benefit everyone.”
In February, African airlines experienced a remarkable 21.0% year-on-year increase in air cargo demand, the highest of any region. Capacity also grew by 17.3%. This performance underscores Africa’s expanding role in the global air cargo landscape, particularly as trade lanes between Africa and Asia surged by 61.9%, marking eight consecutive months of growth.
The report highlighted several important factors influencing the operating environment. The global goods trade grew by 5.2% year-on-year in January, and jet fuel prices increased by 1.2% year-on-year in February, indicating ongoing volatility in the market. Additionally, global manufacturing sentiment improved, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rising to 53.1, remaining above the expansion threshold. The PMI for new export orders reached 51.4, suggesting favorable conditions for air cargo demand.
In February, Asia-Pacific airlines saw a 13.6% growth in air cargo demand, while North American carriers reported a 9.4% increase. European carriers experienced a 6.9% rise in air cargo demand, and Middle Eastern airlines saw a 16.5% increase.
