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 grew 5% year over year in July 2026 and year-to-date growth reached 5%.
- Asia–North America demand accelerated 20% year over year in July 2026 while Asia–Europe demand declined 7%.
Capacity
- Global air cargo capacity remained flat year over year as of 25 August 2026.
- China–Europe freighter capacity declined roughly 30% since June 2026 and pushed Asia–US load factors toward 90%.
Regulation/ News
- Global air cargo rates held at $2.98/kg and remained 22% above prior year levels in Week 34.
- China expanded duty-free access to all 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations.
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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 and Africa
- Air freight markets continued to stabilize 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
Discover the latest trends, key market developments, and expert analyses that can impact your logistics strategy.
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