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

Dec 20, 2025
1 min read

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.

Recent Posts

See All

AfA warns new US 10% global tariff will disrupt air cargo and supply chains

The US decision to introduce a temporary 10% global tariff will create uncertainty and disrupt supply chains, the Airforwarders Association said, warning of operational and investment risks for air ca

Ocean Freight Disruptions May Shift Cargo to Air, Yet Challenges Persist

Escalating tensions in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are disrupting global shipping routes. Major container lines including Evergreen, MSC, Hapag-Lloyd, ONE, and Maersk have

CCFI Summary week 11

The trend in shipping rates shows an increase for the West Coast of North America (+2.5%), the East Coast of North America (+1.5%), and Korea (+0.4%) compared to the previous week. Conversely, rates h

Comments