Global air cargo demand continued its upward trajectory in October, marking the eighth month of growth as global supply chains continues to adapt to the impact of US tariffs.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) noted that for the period, 
total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), rose by 4.1% compared to October 2024 levels.  International operations saw a stronger 4.8% increase.

Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), increased by 5.1% compared to October 2024 and it was up 6.4% for international operations.

For September, total air cargo demand was up by 2.9% year-on-year. In August, it saw an increase of 4.1% and in July, total air cargo demand climbed 5.5% year-on-year. In June, global air cargo demand rose by 0.8% compared to June 2024. In May, it was up  2.2% compared to May 2024.

 (Source: IATA)

"Air cargo demand grew 4.1% year-on-year in October, marking the eighth consecutive month of expansion and setting a new monthly record for volumes," said Willie Walsh, director-general at IATA.

"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," Walsh of IATA added.

Africa, Asia Pacific carrier led regional performance

In October, global air cargo demand showed mixed regional trends. Asia-Pacific airlines recorded an 8.3% year-on-year increase in demand, with capacity rising 7.3%, while European carriers posted a 4.3% gain in both demand and capacity.

Middle Eastern airlines saw demand climb 5.7% alongside a notable 10.0% capacity expansion. Africa led all regions with the strongest growth, as demand surged 16.6% and capacity rose 20.0%.

In contrast, North American and Latin American carriers each reported a 2.7% decline in demand, marking the weakest performance worldwide, though capacity in North America edged up 0.1% and Latin America saw a 2.8% increase.

Air freight volumes in October 2025 increased across most major trade corridors, with the notable exceptions of trade lanes between North America and Asia, and within Europe.

IATA 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, while Europe-Middle East was broadly flat. Asia-North America led the decline, showing a 1.4% drop in trade volume for the period, marking six consecutive months of decline.