Representatives of some 350 airlines, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) released global air cargo markets showing total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), rose by 2.9% compared to September 2024 levels (+3.2% for international operations) data for September 2025.
Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), increased by 3.0% compared to September 2024 (+4.4% for international operations).
“Air cargo demand grew 2.9% year-on-year in September, marking the seventh consecutive month of overall growth” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
The global goods trade grew by 3.7% year-on-year in August, Jet fuel prices rose 5.4% in September despite lower oil prices, driven by a tighter diesel market, which doubled the crack spread year-on-year, Global manufacturing sentiment strengthened in September, with the PMI rising for the second straight month to reach 51.3. New export orders improved slightly to 49.6 but remained below the 50-point expansion threshold, reflecting ongoing caution amid tariff uncertainty are the factors, IATA press release added.
In September, Asia-Pacific airlines saw a 6.8% air cargo demand increase by 4.8% year-on-year while North American carriers saw a 1.2% year-on-year decrease.
European carriers saw a 2.5% and Middle Eastern carriers saw a 0.6% year-on-year increase in demand.
Latin American carriers saw a 2.2% year-on-year decrease whereas African airlines saw a 14.7% year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo.
Air freight volumes in September 2025 increased across most major trade corridors. Europe–Asia and Within Asia posted robust double-digit growth, while Middle East–Asia, North America-Europe, and Africa-Asia also saw notable gains. In contrast, Asia–North America, Middle East–Europe and Within Europe recorded declines.
