Global air cargo demand is set to maintain its upward trajectory in 2026, with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) projecting a 2.4% year-on-year increase in volumes. The industry is expected to handle 71.6 million tonnes of freight next year, reflecting continued strength despite a complex global trade environment.
IATA said the air cargo sector has shown “remarkable resilience” in recent years, successfully navigating geopolitical tensions, shifting trade routes, and softening global economic activity. The organisation expects cargo revenues to rise to $158 billion in 2026, slightly higher than the $155 billion anticipated for 2025. Growth will be supported by expanding e-commerce shipments, rising demand for time-critical logistics, and the movement of high-value goods.
While the revenue outlook remains positive, the association anticipates a slight dip in yields. Cargo yields are projected to fall by 0.5% compared with 2025, although they will continue to stand roughly 30% higher than pre-pandemic levels—a sign of the structural shift toward faster and more flexible supply chain solutions.
IATA’s outlook suggests that, even with moderating yields, the sector will remain a critical pillar of global commerce in 2026, driven by technology, digital retail, and shifting supply chain strategies.
