Air Freight Market Update
September 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% YoY in August 2026 with growth increasingly concentrated on transpacific and alternative trade lanes.
- Europe–North America demand increased 11% YoY in August 2026 and provided an additional source of growth beyond Asia-centric lanes.
Capacity
- Global air cargo capacity increased 3% YoY in September 2026 with freighter capacity growing faster than belly capacity.
- Asia–North America capacity rose 11% YoY 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
- Transpacific and North America lanes continue to face periodic capacity constraints due to strong demand and operational disruptions.
- New European customs measures continue to reduce China–Europe e-commerce volumes and improve capacity availability.
- Flight rerouting and operational disruptions continue to limit effective capacity despite gradual improvements in supply.
Asia
- Outbound demand increased 6% YoY in August 2026 with growth driven by North America and Latin America trade lanes.
- Capacity increased 2% YoY in August 2026 and remained below demand growth.
- Outbound rates increased 24% YoY in August 2026 due to strong technology shipments and disciplined capacity management.
Middle East and Africa
- Middle East network operations have further stabilized following earlier regional airspace disruptions.
- Selective rerouting strategies continue to support service reliability across the region.
- Capacity on key Gulf gateway lanes remains below pre-crisis levels.
Americas
- Ezeiza Airport in Buenos Aires will close from 26 October 2026 to 11 November 2026 for maintenance works.
- Capacity remains constrained within Latin America as well as on North America and Europe trade lanes.
- Perishables season is driving strong export volumes from Panama Nicaragua Guatemala Ecuador and Chile.
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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