In January, air cargo demand increased by 5.6%, with Africa showing growth while the Americas experienced a decline.

In January 2026, global air cargo demand increased by 5.6% year-on-year, with notable regional disparities: Africa experienced a remarkable 18.2% growth, while the Americas faced a continued decline. Capacity also rose, particularly in Asia-Pacific, despite signs of fatigue. The global cargo load factor improved to 45.1%, with the Middle East seeing a drop due to excess capacity. Factors influencing this landscape include rising global goods trade and fluctuating jet fuel prices. Upcoming discussions at the World Cargo Symposium will focus on enhancing air cargo's resilience amid ongoing trade uncertainties.