Air cargo instability increases due to disruptions in flows caused by weather, trade, and policy changes.

As 2026 begins, the global air cargo market is characterized by unpredictability, influenced by sudden disruptions like weather events, trade policy changes, and geopolitical tensions. These factors are causing erratic demand and fluctuating rates, with air cargo increasingly serving as a tool for managing uncertainty rather than as part of a stable logistics strategy. Recent trade policy shifts, particularly between the U.S. and India, add to this volatility. Overall, air cargo demand is uneven, with specific corridors experiencing growth while others face decline, highlighting a complex landscape where reactive shipping decisions are becoming the norm.