Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Newly released data for March 2026 global air cargo markets indicate:
➡️ Total demand fell by 4.8% compared to March 2025 levels (-5.5% for international operations).
➡️ Capacity decreased by 4.7% compared to March 2025 (-6.8% for international operations).
These negative results reflect mainly severe disruptions at major Gulf hubs due to war in the Middle East as well as the usual post–Lunar New Year slowdown.
"The underlying demand trends, at this point, appear strong and the recent World Trade Organization and International Monetary Fund revisions to trade and GDP projections continue to see growth in 2026. Importantly, #aircargo 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,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
⛽ Jet fuel prices rose sharply in March, up 106.6% YoY, alongside a 43.1% increase in crude oil prices and a 320% surge in refining margins.
Details 👉 iata.org/en/pressroom/2026-releases/2026-04-29-03
Newly released data for March 2026 global air cargo markets indicate:
➡️ Total demand fell by 4.8% compared to March 2025 levels (-5.5% for international operations).
➡️ Capacity decreased by 4.7% compared to March 2025 (-6.8% for international operations).
These negative results reflect mainly severe disruptions at major Gulf hubs due to war in the Middle East as well as the usual post–Lunar New Year slowdown.
"The underlying demand trends, at this point, appear strong and the recent World Trade Organization and International Monetary Fund revisions to trade and GDP projections continue to see growth in 2026. Importantly, #aircargo 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,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
⛽ Jet fuel prices rose sharply in March, up 106.6% YoY, alongside a 43.1% increase in crude oil prices and a 320% surge in refining margins.
Details 👉 iata.org/en/pressroom/2026-releases/2026-04-29-03
