According to the latest data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global air cargo demand hit a new record in October 2025, rising 4.1 percent year-on-year, marking the eighth consecutive month of growth. International cargo demand even grew at a pace of 4.8 percent.
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Global capacity is up 5.1% from October 2024, and international capacity is up 6.4%. Despite changing business patterns and the impact of US tariffs, the industry continued to show flexibility by adjusting supply chains.
“Air cargo demand grew 4.1% year-on-year in October, setting a new record for monthly volume,” said IATA Director General Willie Walsh. While the Asia-North America market remained in contraction for the sixth month, strong double-digit growth was seen across Asia, Middle East-Europe, and Europe-Asia.
Key economic drivers
- Global merchandise trade rose 3 percent in September.
- Industrial production grew 3.7 percent, the strongest pace since late 2022.
- Jet fuel prices rose 2.5 percent, even as crude prices eased as the diesel market tightened.
- Manufacturing sentiment improved as the PMI rose for the third month in a row, although new export orders remained below the expansion threshold.
Regional performance – October 2025
- Asia and the Pacific Demand grew 8.3 percent, supported by strong intra-Asia and Asia-Europe flows.
- North America Despite a slight increase in capacity, it recorded a 2.7 percent drop, the weakest regional result.
- Europe We saw a 4.3% increase in demand, which matched a 4.3% increase in capacity.
- Middle East Operators posted a 5.7 percent increase, although capacity increased by 10 percent.
- Latin America Also, despite the growth of capacity, we saw a 2.7% decrease in demand.
- Africa It led all regions with a significant 16.6% jump in demand and a 20% increase in capacity.
Business line growth
Most global trade routes posted positive growth in October, except for Asia-North America routes and intra-Europe routes.
- Europe – Asia It saw the strongest performance with 11.7% growth compared to the previous year.
- Middle East – Asia It grew 11.5% and continued an 8-month upward trend.
- Inside Asia It increased by 9% and maintained two years of uninterrupted development.
- North America – Europe It rose 2.6 percent, extending its upward trend to 21 consecutive months.
- Africa – Asia It also saw strong double-digit growth at 10.9%.
- A decrease was recorded Asia – North America (-1.4%) and Inside Europe (-0.7%).
With new records in demand and continued strength on key corridors, the air cargo sector is entering the peak season with strong momentum despite continued pressure from tariffs, fuel costs and changing trade flows.
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