Xeneta increases its forecast for air freight in 2026.

Xeneta has updated its 2026 air freight outlook, anticipating a 5% to 15% rise in long-term air freight rates due to ongoing Middle East conflicts affecting global capacity and demand. The company expects demand growth to reach the higher end of 2% to 3%, while capacity growth is forecasted at the lower end of the same range. The conflict has led to a 12% reduction in air cargo capacity, pushing rates up by 17% year-on-year. AI-related shipments are rising, but e-commerce demand is declining due to regulatory changes, indicating a shift in air cargo dynamics.