African airlines recorded a seven per cent rise in air cargo demand in March compared to the same month last year, marking the strongest growth across all regions, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This performance contrasts with a global decline of 4.8 per cent in demand during the period, largely attributed to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
Regional Performance
Data released by IATA on Tuesday showed that African carriers achieved a seven per cent year-on-year increase in demand, the highest among regions. However, capacity from African airlines fell by 4.6 per cent year-on-year.
Asia-Pacific airlines experienced a 5.4 per cent year-on-year growth in air cargo demand, with capacity rising by five per cent. European carriers saw a 2.2 per cent increase in demand and a 4.2 per cent capacity boost. Latin American and Caribbean carriers reported a 1.8 per cent demand increase and a 5.1 per cent capacity rise.
In contrast, North American carriers recorded a 1.2 per cent decline in demand, with capacity down 1.1 per cent. Middle Eastern carriers suffered the most severe drop, with demand plunging 54.3 per cent and capacity decreasing by 52.4 per cent year-on-year.
IATA Director-General Comments
Willie Walsh, IATA's Director-General, attributed the global demand drop primarily to severe disruptions at major Gulf hubs caused by the Middle East war. He also noted that the typical post-Lunar New Year slowdown contributed to the decline.
"The underlying demand trends appear strong," Walsh said. "Recent revisions by the World Trade Organization and International Monetary Fund to trade and GDP projections continue to indicate growth in 2026. Importantly, air cargo networks are providing the flexibility needed to support global supply chains as they adjust to geopolitical, tariff, and operational strains. All eyes are on fuel supply and price, which are expected to test the industry's resilience in the coming months."
