According to data for October released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) global air freight demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), rose by 5.5% compared to November 2024 levels (+6.9% for international operations).
Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), increased by 4.7% compared to November 2024 (+6.5% for international operations).
“Air cargo demand grew 5.5% year-on-year in November 2025, boosted by shippers prioritizing timely delivery in the lead-up to the year-end holiday season. Strong emerging market demand and selective Middle Eastern growth more than made-up for softness in the Americas amid ongoing adjustment to the new US tariff regime. Globally, the fourth quarter for air cargo was resilient as strategic re-routing of trade shaped performance across key markets. The strong end for 2025 bodes well for the air cargo industry as it enters the new year,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
North American carriers saw a 1.6% year-on-year decrease in growth for air cargo in November. Capacity decreased by 2.3% year-on-year.
Asia-Pacific airlines saw a 10.3% year-on-year growth in air cargo demand in November. Capacity increased by 8.4% year-on-year.
European carriers saw a 5.8% year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in November. Capacity increased 4.1% year-on-year.
Middle Eastern carriers saw a 7.4% year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in November. Capacity increased by 11.0% year-on-year.
Latin American and Caribbean carriers saw a 4.8% year-on-year decrease in demand for air cargo in November, the weakest performance of all regions. Capacity decreased by 3.0% year-on-year.
African airlines saw a 15.6% year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in November, the strongest rise of all regions. Capacity increased by 18.1% year-on-year.
Source: IATA