Global air cargo demand increased by six per cent in May 2026, demonstrating the aviation industry's resilience despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including the effects of the United States-Iran conflict and other disruptions affecting global trade.
According to DIP CONNECT ONLINE NEWS, the latest figures released on Monday by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) show that total air cargo demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTKs), rose by 6.0 per cent compared to May 2025. International cargo operations recorded even stronger growth of 6.5 per cent during the same period.
The report also indicated that global cargo capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTKs), increased by 1.9 per cent year-on-year, while international capacity expanded by 2.8 per cent.
The growth comes as global supply chains continue to adjust to geopolitical conflicts, inflationary pressures and fluctuating fuel prices, with airlines increasingly relying on cargo operations to sustain revenues and facilitate international trade.
Despite the positive global performance, IATA noted that the Middle East remained the only major region to experience a decline in cargo traffic, as ongoing regional conflicts continued to disrupt aviation activities.
Commenting on the latest performance, IATA Director-General Willie Walsh said the industry had continued to adapt effectively to changing market conditions despite significant geopolitical challenges.
He stated that air cargo demand grew by six per cent year-on-year in May, with Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America all recording above-average growth, while airlines in the Middle East posted a combined 8.9 per cent decline due to the continued impact of regional conflicts.
Walsh expressed cautious optimism about the industry's outlook for the remainder of the year, citing improving global economic indicators as a positive sign.
According to him, stronger trade and manufacturing activities are supporting sustained cargo demand, while airlines have successfully adjusted their operations to meet changing market needs and evolving supply chain requirements.
He also noted that improved cargo yields and higher load factors are helping airlines offset rising operating expenses, particularly fuel costs, although uncertainties in the Middle East continue to pose significant challenges for parts of the industry.
IATA further revealed that global trade expanded by five per cent year-on-year, marking the 25th consecutive month of annual growth.
The association said the continued expansion in international trade has remained one of the major drivers of air cargo demand, as manufacturers and logistics companies increasingly depend on air freight for transporting high-value and time-sensitive goods.
The report also highlighted developments in the energy market, revealing that jet fuel prices declined by 16.3 per cent month-on-month in May.
However, despite the monthly reduction, fuel costs remained significantly high, standing 93.5 per cent above the levels recorded during the corresponding period last year.
While the decline in fuel prices has provided some relief for airline operators, IATA noted that carriers continue to face elevated operating costs while balancing competitive freight pricing and expanding cargo capacity.
The association also reported that global manufacturing activity remained supportive of cargo growth during the review period.
According to the report, the Global Manufacturing Output Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 53.5 in May, signalling continued expansion in factory production.
However, export demand remained relatively subdued, with the New Export Orders Index staying below the neutral 50-point threshold at 49.6, indicating that the growth in air cargo is being driven by specific trade routes rather than broad-based improvements in global export activity.
Despite persistent geopolitical uncertainties, the latest IATA figures suggest that strong cargo demand, resilient airline operations and improving economic conditions continue to support the global air freight industry, DIP CONNECT ONLINE NEWS reports.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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