Air freight rates surge due to disruptions in capacity and traffic caused by the conflict in Iran.

Global air cargo rates surged by 6% in early March 2026, reaching $2.40 per kilogram, due to disruptions caused by the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. The conflict resulted in significant capacity losses and route adjustments, affecting airfreight traffic worldwide. While North America and Asia Pacific saw modest increases, the Middle East experienced a dramatic 36% drop in chargeable weight. Increased fuel costs and war-risk surcharges are anticipated to further elevate prices, with spot rates rising 10% week-on-week and 13% year-on-year, particularly from the Middle East and South Asia.