Overview
- Global air cargo demand rose 2.9% year over year in September, marking a seventh straight month of growth as capacity increased 3.0%, IATA reported.
- IATA linked shifting routes to U.S. tariff measures, including the end of de minimis exemptions, with Asia–North America volumes down 3.5% for five consecutive months.
- Europe–Asia traffic grew 12.4% to extend a 31‑month streak, and within‑Asia volumes rose 10.0%, while several other corridors posted mixed results.
- Africa led regional gains with demand up 14.7%, Asia‑Pacific rose 6.8%, and North America slipped 1.2% in September.
- AAPA said Asia‑Pacific freight tonne kilometres increased 5.0% and international passengers rose 7.1%, and IATA issued 2026 manuals with stricter lithium‑battery rules, expanded Live Animals Regulations, IGOM updates, and new digital tools such as LAR Verify.