Global Air Cargo Demand Rises 4.1% in October, Marking Eight Months of Growth
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released October 2025 data, highlighting ongoing growth in global air cargo markets. Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), increased by 4.1% compared to October 2024, with international operations showing a growth of 4.8%. Additionally, capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), rose by 5.1% year-on-year, and international operations experienced an increase of 6.4%.
Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, said: “Air cargo demand grew 4.1% year-on-year in October, marking the eighth consecutive month of expansion and setting a new monthly record for volumes. While the Asia–North America trade lane continued to contract, October recorded double-digit or near double-digit growth within Asia, between the Middle East and Europe, and between Europe and Asia. This shift highlights how air cargo is supporting global supply chains in adjusting to the impact of US tariffs as the sector enters the fourth-quarter shipping season.”
Key Operating Environment Indicators:
Global goods trade grew 3% year-on-year in September.
Global industrial production increased 3.7% year-on-year in September.
Jet fuel prices rose 2.5% in October, despite a decrease in crude prices, driven by a tighter diesel market.
Global manufacturing sentiment improved slightly, with the PMI at 51.45. New export orders softened to 48.31, reflecting caution amid tariff-related uncertainty.
Air Cargo Market Overview – October 2025
| Region | CTK Growth | ACTK Growth | Load Factor (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Market | +4.1% | +5.1% | 47.1 |
| Africa | +16.6% | +20.0% | 41.3 |
| Asia-Pacific | +8.3% | +7.3% | 49.6 |
| Europe | +4.3% | +4.3% | 54.7 |
| Latin America | -2.7% | +2.8% | 39.1 |
| Middle East | +5.7% | +10.0% | 46.7 |
| North America | -2.7% | +0.1% | 40.9 |
Regional Highlights
Asia-Pacific carriers recorded an 8.3% rise in demand, with capacity up 7.3%.
North America saw demand decline by 2.7%, with capacity nearly unchanged at +0.1%.
Europe posted a 4.3% increase in demand and an equal increase in capacity.
Middle East carriers recorded a 5.7% rise in demand, with capacity up 10%.
Latin American demand fell 2.7%, while capacity rose 2.8%.
Africa recorded a 16.6% increase in demand, with capacity expanding by 20%.
Trade Lane Performance
| Trade Lane | YoY Growth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Asia–North America | -1.4% | Six consecutive months of contraction |
| Europe–Asia | +11.7% | Ongoing consistent growth |
| Middle East–Europe | +0.1% | Slight growth |
| Middle East–Asia | +11.5% | Eight months of expansion |
| Within Asia | +9.0% | Continued demand increase |
| Within Europe | -0.7% | Three months of contraction |
| North America–Europe | +2.6% | Ongoing growth trend |
| Africa–Asia | +10.9% | Four months of expansion |
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