AIR CARGO DEMAND RISES 3.9% IN JULY

Global air cargo demand increased by 3.9 per cent year-on-year in July 2026, while passenger demand recorded a more modest 0.2 per cent growth, according to the International Air Transport Association.

IATA said the cargo increase was supported by stronger global trade, manufacturing activity and export orders despite rising fuel costs and geopolitical uncertainty.

International air cargo demand performed even better, rising by 4.7 per cent compared with July 2025. Cargo capacity also increased by 1.7 per cent globally during the period.

North American airlines recorded the strongest cargo growth at 4.8 per cent, followed by European carriers at 4.4 per cent and Asia-Pacific airlines at 4.1 per cent.

African airlines recorded a 1.1 per cent increase in cargo demand, although capacity across the region grew by 4.1 per cent.

IATA noted that global trade expanded by 7.5 per cent year-on-year, supporting demand for air freight. However, jet fuel prices increased significantly, rising 56.9 per cent compared with the previous year.

On passenger travel, global demand rose only 0.2 per cent in July, while available seat capacity increased by 0.3 per cent. The global passenger load factor stood at 85.2 per cent.

International passenger demand declined by 0.1 per cent, while domestic demand increased by 0.6 per cent.

African airlines performed better on passenger traffic, recording a 6.4 per cent year-on-year increase in demand. However, capacity grew faster at 9.0 per cent, pushing the regional load factor down to 74.1 per cent.

IATA said the outlook for air cargo remains broadly positive, although airlines will continue to monitor fuel costs, geopolitical tensions and trade-related uncertainties.

The association also said airlines remain confident about passenger demand towards the end of the year, with seat capacity expected to expand further in September.