Global air cargo markets posted their sixth consecutive month of growth in August 2025, according to the latest data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTK), increased by 4.1% compared to August 2024, with international operations up 5.1%. Available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTK) rose 3.7% year-on-year, driven by a 5.5% increase in international capacity.

Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general, said: “Air cargo demand grew 4.1% in August, marking the sixth consecutive month of year-on-year growth. Volumes continue to grow even as global trade patterns change.

“Air cargo has benefitted from a shift from sea for some high value goods as shippers try to minimise the risk of tariff changes. And growth patterns indicate some being diverted away from North America, fueling stronger growth for the Europe–Asia, Within Asia, Africa–Asia, and Middle East–Asia trade lanes. This adaptability is vital as shippers navigate the evolving landscape of US tariff policy.”

Market dynamics

The broader operating environment also supported growth. The global goods trade expanded by 5.4% year-on-year in July, while jet fuel prices were 6.4% lower compared with August 2024 – the 14th consecutive month of decline.

Manufacturing sentiment strengthened, with the global PMI reaching 51.75, its highest since June 2024. However, caution persisted as new export orders stayed below the 50 mark at 48.73, reflecting uncertainty around tariff policies.

Regional performance

• Asia-Pacific carriers led with a 9.8% year-on-year rise in demand, supported by a 6.9% increase in capacity.

• Africa registered the strongest growth, with an 11.0% surge in demand and a 12.3% rise in capacity.

• Europe saw demand up 3.2%, while capacity rose 4.2%.

• Middle East airlines posted a 2.7% demand increase and a 4.3% rise in capacity.

• Latin America experienced demand growth of 2.1%, with capacity up 5.0%.

• North America recorded the weakest performance, with demand down 2.1% and capacity falling 1.0%.

Trade lane growth

Air freight volumes grew significantly across most trade lanes in August. Europe–Asia and Within Asia posted strong double-digit gains, while Middle East–Asia, North America–Europe and Africa–Asia also recorded notable increases.

In contrast, Asia–North America, Middle East–Europe and Within Europe trade corridors saw declines.

READ MORE NEWS: July air cargo demand growth a “strong result”, IATA’s Walsh says