According to data for May 2026 released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) global air freight demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), increased by 6.0% compared to May 2025 levels (6.5% for international operations).
Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), increased by 1.9% compared to May 2025 (2.8% for international operations).
"Air cargo demand grew 6% year-on-year in May, with Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North American regions all reporting above trend growth. Carriers in the Middle East, however, reported a combined contraction of 8.9% year-on-year as war-related impacts continued," said Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General.
North American carriers saw a 10.5% year-on-year increase in air cargo demand in May. Capacity increased by 2.4% year-on-year.
European carriers saw a 6.7% year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in May. Capacity increased by 2.2% year-on-year.