IATA: Global Air Cargo Demand Climbs 6.0% in May
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported a 6.0% year-on-year increase in global air cargo demand for May 2026 (6.5% for international operations). Capacity expanded by a slower 1.9% overall (2.8% internationally) during the same period.
“May’s 6% growth was propelled by above-trend performance across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America, though Middle Eastern carriers saw an 8.9% contraction amid ongoing conflict impacts,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “While expanding trade and manufacturing output support the outlook, carriers are navigating headwinds by adapting capacity to shifting demand, while yield improvements and higher load factors are offsetting rising fuel costs. Though Middle East uncertainties continue to weigh heavily, robust demand and the industry’s clear resilience give us cautious optimism for the remainder of the year.”
Operating Environment Highlights:
- Global trade rose 5.0% year-on-year, marking 25 consecutive months of growth.
- Jet fuel prices dropped 16.3% month-on-month in May, yet remained 93.5% above May 2025 levels.
- Manufacturing activity held firm, but export orders softened: the Global Manufacturing Output PMI climbed to 53.5, while the New Export Orders Index stayed below the 50-mark at 49.6—suggesting growth was driven by select trade flows rather than a broad-based export expansion.
