Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTK), decreased by 4.7 per cent YoY; it dropped by 6.8 per cent for international operations, IATA said in a press release.
Global air cargo demand fell by 4.8 per cent YoY in March, the International Air Transport Association said.
It dropped by 5.5 per cent YoY for international operations.
Capacity decreased by 4.7 per cent YoY; it dropped by 6.8 per cent for international operations.
The demand drop was mostly due to severe disruptions at major Gulf hubs due to war in the Middle East.
The demand drop was mostly due to severe disruptions at major Gulf hubs due to war in the Middle East. The timing of the usual post-Lunar New Year slowdown also added to the decline.
“The underlying demand trends, at this point, appear strong and the recent World Trade Organization and International Monetary Fund revisions to trade and GDP projections continue to see growth in 2026. Importantly, air cargo networks are providing the flexibility needed to support global supply chains as they adjust to geopolitical, tariff, and operational strains. All eyes are on fuel supply and price, which are expected to test the industry’s resilience in the coming months,” said IATA director general Willie Walsh.
Asia-Pacific airlines saw a 5.4-per cent YoY growth in air cargo demand in March. Capacity increased by 5 per cent YoY.
North American carriers saw a 1.2-per cent YoY decrease in demand in the month, while capacity decreased by 1.1 per cent YoY.
European carriers saw a 2.2-per cent YoY increase in demand for air cargo, while capacity increased by 4.2 per cent YoY.
Middle Eastern carriers saw a 54.3-per cent YoY decrease in such demand for air cargo, the weakest performance of all regions. Capacity decreased by 52.4 per cent YoY.
African airlines saw a 7-per cent YoY increase in such demand in March, the strongest rise of all regions. Capacity decreased by 4.6 per cent YoY.
Air cargo performance diverged across major trade lanes in March. Africa-Asia led growth followed by Asia-Europe, with intra-Asia also holding strong on regional trade. In contrast, Gulf-linked corridors were severely disrupted by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
