Air Freight Market Update
August 2026
What’s shaping Air Freight in 2026? Explore how various dynamics are impacting global Air Cargo.
Global Air Cargo Update
Demand
- Global air cargo demand grew 9% YoY in Jun 26, the strongest YoY increase of 2026, bringing H1 2026 growth to 5% YoY.
- China-origin e-commerce growth is flattening due to EU de-minimis changes, freeing main deck capacity for higher-yield industrial goods.
Capacity
- Global air cargo capacity remained flat YoY as of 20 Jul 26, with North America and transpacific growth offsetting declines in Europe, MEA and China.
- Asia–Europe capacity remains affected by regulation and Gulf airspace disruption; China–Europe freighter capacity fell 12% YoY, while MEA capacity stayed 4% below last year.
Regulation/ News
- The United States introduced a new tariff regime on 24 July 2026 with country-specific duties of 10% and 12.5% applied to imports from 60 trading partners.
- Cathay Pacific postponed the resumption of Dubai and Riyadh services while LATAM Airlines confirmed plans to expand its fleet to approximately 410 aircraft by the end of 2026.
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Regional Air Freight News
Europe
- Geopolitical instability continued to disrupt flight routes and increase transit times across key trade lanes.
- Market demand remained resilient while carriers continued to actively manage capacity.
- Rising jet fuel prices drove additional fuel surcharges across the market.
Asia
- Outbound demand grew 7% year over year in July 2026 driven by semiconductors AI infrastructure electronics and advanced manufacturing.
- Capacity growth remained below demand and increased around 2% year over year on Asia outbound corridors.
- Transpacific capacity increased while Middle East and Africa and Latin America capacity remained constrained.
Middle East & Africa
- Air freight markets continued to stabilise during August 2026 as carriers largely restored operations.
- Demand remained resilient due to technology, pharmaceuticals, perishables and high-value industrial cargo.
- Capacity gradually improved but Asia–Middle East and Africa corridors remained capacity constrained.
Americas
- Capacity remained stable across most transpacific markets but Southeast Asia, India and Australia continued to experience high load factors.
- Canada air freight conditions remained stable with improving capacity and schedule reliability.
- Perishables seasons continued to drive high export volumes across several Latin American markets.
Detailed Air Freight Market Update
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