African airlines recorded the strongest rise in air cargo demand globally in October 2025, with volumes increasing 16.6% year-on-year, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
IATA reported that capacity across African carriers also expanded by 20% compared to October 2024, showing the industry’s effort to match rising air cargo demand on both regional and intercontinental routes.
Globally, total air cargo demand measured in cargo tonne-kilometres grew 4.1% year-on-year, while available capacity increased 5.1%. IATA noted this was the eighth consecutive month of growth and a new monthly capacity record, underscoring a steady recovery of global freight markets.
The October surge in air cargo demand aligns with broader economic indicators, including a 3% rise in global goods trade and a 3.7% improvement in industrial production in September—the fastest expansion since March 2025.
Outside Africa, the Asia-Pacific region recorded an 8.3% increase in air cargo demand, supported by strong intra-Asia and Asia–Europe trade. Capacity in the region rose 7.3%, showing sustained demand across manufacturing-driven economies.
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Middle Eastern carriers saw air cargo demand rise 5.7%, with capacity increasing 10%, driven by their role as global trans-shipment hubs. European airlines posted a 4.3% increase in both demand and capacity, reflecting moderate but stable freight market conditions.
In contrast, airlines in North America and Latin America faced declines, with air cargo demand dropping 2.7% year-on-year in both regions. Capacity grew slightly—0.1% in North America and 2.8% in Latin America—indicating subdued freight activity amid tariff-linked uncertainty.
Trade lane analysis showed Europe–Asia routes posting the strongest air cargo demand growth, followed by Middle East–Asia, Africa–Asia, and intra-Asia corridors. North America–Asia volumes remained flat or contracted, extending a six-month downward trend.
IATA Director General Willie Walsh said the contrasting performance across trade lanes reflects how air cargo demand is adjusting to evolving supply chain pressures, particularly from US tariffs. He added that strong October figures position the sector well for the peak fourth-quarter shipping period.
The report noted that jet fuel prices rose 2.5% in October, while global manufacturing sentiment improved marginally, with the PMI climbing to 51.45. However, new export orders remained below the expansion threshold at 48.31, showing that global air cargo demand still faces headwinds from policy uncertainty.
