Asia-Pacific air cargo demand surges 13.6% in February 2026

Air cargo demand in the Asia-Pacific region surged 13.6 percent in February 2026, outpacing regional capacity growth of 10.1 percent, according to data released by the International Air Transport Association. Total global demand rose 11.2 percent year-on-year, slightly higher for international operations at 11.6 percent, while overall capacity increased 8.5 percent.

Willie Walsh said February’s strong growth was partly driven by shipments ahead of the Lunar New Year, but warned that the outbreak of war in the Middle East at the end of the month could affect full-year performance. Rising fuel costs, fuel shortages in some regions, and disruptions to key Gulf cargo hubs remain major challenges. He noted that stabilising fuel supply and an early resolution to the conflict would support the industry.

The broader operating environment showed positive signals for air cargo. Global goods trade rose 5.2 percent in January. Jet fuel prices increased 1.2 percent in February, while refining margins remained volatile. Global manufacturing sentiment strengthened, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index reaching 53.1, above the 50-point expansion threshold, and the index for new export orders climbing to 51.4, its highest since July 2021.

Regionally, Middle Eastern carriers saw a 16.5 percent increase in demand and a 13.5 percent rise in capacity. African airlines recorded the strongest growth globally at 21.0 percent in demand, with capacity up 17.3 percent. North American carriers reported 9.4 percent growth in demand and 5.3 percent in capacity, European carriers saw demand rise 6.9 percent and capacity 6.1 percent, while Latin American and Caribbean airlines posted a modest 0.7 percent increase in demand with capacity up 4.5 percent.

Across trade lanes, the Asia-Pacific region was central to growth. Within Asia, air freight rose 9.1 percent, marking 28 consecutive months of expansion. Major international routes such as Asia–North America grew 9.1 percent, Europe–Asia 13.1 percent, and Middle East–Asia 24.0 percent, while Africa–Asia surged 61.9 percent, showing strong demand for Asia-linked trade.