Air cargo demand increased 4.4% year-on-year in August 2026 in a report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers, increased compared to August 2025 as international operations recorded a 5.3% increase.
Demand increased in all regions since capacity was slightly depressed. Solid demand allowed airlines to recover from high fuel costs and portends a good ending to the year as peak season approaches.
The operating environment has been favorable as global trade expanded 6% year-on-year in August, marking 33 consecutive months of year-on-year growth. Global manufacturing was strong in August, supporting air cargo demand. Jet fuel prices were still high, climbing 8.3% month-on-month in August.
Asia-Pacific airlines posted a 4.3 increase in demand and a 1.2% increase in capacity. The Asia-Pacific region also accounted for 35.8% of global cargo tonne-kilometer.