In April, the demand for air freight increased by 4%, even amidst disruptions in the Middle East.

Global air cargo demand grew by 4.0% year-on-year in April 2026, despite disruptions from the Middle East conflict, according to IATA. While total demand rose, capacity slightly decreased by 0.4%. The growth was driven by robust Asia-linked trade, although severe disruptions at Gulf hubs reshaped trade routes. Regional performances varied: Asia-Pacific saw a 10.5% demand increase, while Middle Eastern carriers experienced an 18.2% decline. Overall, geopolitical uncertainty and rising operating costs pose challenges to the sector's stability moving forward.