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IATA reports air cargo traffic expanded 4.4% in August
September 30th 2026
Air cargo demand, measured by cargo tonne-kilometres (CTK), rose 4.4% in August compared with a year ago, led by the strong performance of airlines in Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean and Latin America, and North America. Read More » Air cargo capacity was 0.1% lower in the month, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said in its monthly cargo report. "Strong demand and higher load factors helped airlines to recoup some of the exceptionally high fuel costs," IATA chief economist and senior vice president for sustainability, Marie Owens Thomsen, said. "Yields rose month-on-month for the first time since April, while global goods trade growth continues. Both are positive signs as the year-end peak season comes into view." The airline lobby group’s the Asia-Pacific had the third highest growth rate for cargo demand, with CTKs rising 4.3% in the 31 days, behind North America at 6.6% and the Caribbean and Latin America at 5.1%.
