Air Cargo Demand Increases by 4.1% in October: IATA
The International Air Transport Association reports a significant rise in global air cargo demand, highlighting the eighth consecutive month of growth.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released statistics for October 2025, which revealed global air cargo demand rose by 4.1% from the previous year, with a notable 4.8% increase in international operations.
Demand and Capacity Insights:
- Total demand, expressed in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), increased to significant new heights.
- Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), also saw a 5.1% rise compared to October 2024, with 6.4% growth in international operations.
“Air cargo demand grew 4.1% year-on-year in October, marking the eighth consecutive month of expansion and setting a new monthly record for volumes. Although the Asia-North America trade lane has seen a contraction for six months, double-digit growth was reported within Asia, between the Middle East and Europe, and from Europe to Asia. This trend underscores how air cargo remains vital for adapting global supply chains amid the impact of US tariffs. This news is particularly welcoming as the air cargo sector approaches the busy fourth quarter shipping season,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
Notable Factors:
- The global goods trade grew by 5.3% year-on-year as of September.
- Industrial production surged by 3.7% year-on-year in September, marking the quickest pace since March 2025.
- Jet fuel prices rose by 2.5% in October, while crude prices fell, leading to a significant increase in the diesel market.
- Global manufacturing sentiment improved slightly, with PMI rising to 51.45 for the third consecutive month.
Market Performance Breakdown - October 2025
| Region | Share (%) | CTK Growth | ACTK Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Market | 100.0 | 4.1% | 5.1% |
| Africa | 2.0 | 16.6 | 20.0 |
| Asia Pacific | 34.3 | 8.3 | 7.3 |
| Europe | 21.5 | 4.3 | 4.3 |
| Latin America | 2.9 | -2.7 | 2.8 |
| Middle East | 13.6 | 5.7 | 10.0 |
| North America | 25.7 | -2.7 | 0.1 |
Trade Lane Insights
Air freight volumes rose across most major trade corridors in October, with the following exceptions:
- Asia-North America: -1.4% (6 months of decline)
- Europe-Asia: +11.7% (32 months of growth)
- Middle East-Asia: +11.5% (8 months of growth)
- Africa-Asia: +10.9% (4 months of growth)
Share based on full-year 2024 CTKs.
