Overview
- IATA reported May 2026 global air cargo demand rose 6.0% year‑on‑year while available capacity increased just 1.9%, tightening markets and boosting load factors.
- The Asia–North America trade lane led gains with a 19.9% jump in demand, driven by technology shipments, e‑commerce and some recovery from last year’s policy‑linked weakness.
- Middle Eastern carriers continued to see deep cuts, with cargo demand down 8.9% and capacity down 9.2% as war‑related route disruptions persist.
- IATA lowered its full‑year 2026 cargo forecast to 0.7% growth, citing capacity shortages from the Iran‑related conflict; carriers and forwarders have announced charters and partnerships such as FedEx’s tie‑up with China Southern and new Ceva charters to add lift.
- Jet fuel prices have eased month‑on‑month but remain far above last year, keeping operating costs high and supporting higher airfreight yields that are likely to be passed through to shippers and some consumers.