Air Freight Market Update
June 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 volumes grew 4% year over year in May 2026 and remained up 4% year to date.
- Demand for semiconductors and AI infrastructure continued to support air freight growth despite softer cross-border e-commerce volumes.
Capacity
- Global air cargo capacity grew 3% year over year in June 2026 with Asia recording the largest increase at 5%.
- Freighter capacity grew 7% year over year while passenger belly capacity declined 2% year over year.
Regulation/ News
- Global air freight spot rates increased 1% week over week to USD 3.75 per kilogram and remained 47% above last year.
- Market rates increased 1% week over week to USD 3.24 per kilogram amid capacity uncertainty and elevated operating costs.
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Regional Air Freight News
Europe
- Middle East disruptions and longer routings continue to constrain effective capacity and schedule flexibility.
- Rates are showing signs of stabilization as capacity and shipment volumes recover.
- Manufacturing relocation and EV investments supported inbound volume growth into Hungary and Poland.
Asia
- Asia demand improved in May 2026 with shipments to North America increasing 19% year over year.
- Asia capacity remained structurally tight despite 5% year over year growth.
- Freight rates remained elevated at 30% to 50% above May 2025 levels.
Middle East and Africa
- Air cargo capacity recovered to roughly 75% to 85% of pre-crisis levels.
- Effective capacity remains constrained by rerouting inefficiencies and Gulf hub congestion.
- Air freight rates remained 35% to 60% above last year’s levels in May 2026.
Americas
- Capacity remained stable to Asia but faced constraints on North America and Europe trade lanes.
- Additional airline services increased regional connectivity across several Latin American markets.
- The North American air cargo market continued to stabilize compared with first quarter volatility.
- Capacity remained generally available across major trade lanes with localized constraints from parts of Asia to the United States.
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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