Air Cargo Starts 2026 Strong, but Rates Continue to Slide

Global air cargo volumes opened 2026 on a positive note, rising 5% year on year in the first full week of January, according to WorldACD. The rebound followed a sharp 26% week-on-week jump, reversing late-December declines. Growth was led by the Middle East and South Asia, up 16%, with Asia Pacific and North America also posting solid gains. However, analysts caution that comparisons are flattered by a slow start to 2025 and warn that the gradual return of container shipping via the Red Sea could temper air cargo demand. Despite higher volumes, average worldwide rates fell to $2.46 per kg.