Air Cargo Outlook 2026: Sector Shows Strong Resilience Amid Global Trade Shifts

The air cargo industry is set for steady growth despite global trade challenges, according to IATA. The trade body forecasts cargo volumes will reach 71.6m tonnes in 2026, a 2.4% year-on-year rise driven by e-commerce and time-sensitive shipments. Revenues are expected to reach $158bn, up from $155bn this year, though yields may dip 0.5% amid slower global trade. IATA director general Willie Walsh highlighted the sector’s resilience, noting that air cargo has supported shifting trade flows, front-loaded shipments ahead of tariffs, and met rising demand for semiconductor and AI-related goods.