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.

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