Global air cargo demand continued its upward trajectory in January, with four regions reporting faster-than-average growth and helping to secure another month of year-on-year gains. According to IATA, total demand, measured in cargo tonne kilometres (CTKs), rose by 5.6 per cent compared with January 2025. Africa led the way with an 18.2 per cent increase, extending its run of double-digit gains, while the Americas saw demand decline for a sixth consecutive month. Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne kilometres (ACTKs), increased by 3.6 per cent year on year, marking the highest January ACTK volumes on record, although growth momentum slowed down. IATA noted Asia-Pacific capacity though reached a historic high, it however posted its weakest January growth since 2020, signalling emerging capacity fatigue and warning further industry challenges lie ahead in the coming months.
