Air Freight Market Update
October 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 5% year on year in August 2026 with growth increasingly concentrated on transpacific and alternative trade lanes.
- Europe–North America demand increased 11% year on year in August 2026 and provided an additional source of growth beyond Asia-centric lanes.
Capacity
- Global air cargo capacity increased 3% year on year in September 2026 with freighter capacity growing faster than belly capacity.
- Asia–North America capacity rose 11% year on year in September 2026 as capacity continued shifting toward transpacific markets.
Regulation/ News
- Global air cargo rates remained stable at $3.04/kg in Week 38 despite significant increases in jet fuel prices.
- EASA reported that sustainable aviation fuel reached 2.8% of total EU aviation fuel supply in 2025 which exceeded the mandatory target.
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Regional Air Freight News
Europe
- Capacity pressure increased on Europe–North America lanes as rerouted cargo raised demand for transatlantic uplift.
- European customs changes continued to suppress China–Europe e-commerce volumes.
- Middle East and Africa disruptions continued to pressure European rates and connectivity.
Asia
- Asian demand increased 10% YoY in September 2026 amid strong AI-related and technology shipments.
- Capacity grew 3% YoY through 25 October 2026 and remained below demand growth.
- Rates increased 26% YoY in September 2026 as limited capacity supported yields.
Middle East & Africa
- Gulf capacity remained constrained due to operational disruptions at key Saudi Arabian airports.
- Chinese e-commerce volumes increasingly shifted towards Africa and the Middle East following EU customs changes.
- Recovering Asian exports and Southern African perishables are expected to increase seasonal demand pressure.
Americas
- High-tech and AI-related commodities continued to drive transpacific demand and rates.
- Flooding in Thailand created an operational bottleneck on transpacific lanes.
- Latin American perishables exports increased due to berry and flower shipments from several origins.
Detailed Air Freight Market Update
Discover the latest trends, key market developments, and expert analyses that can impact your logistics strategy.
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