Global air cargo demand up 4.4% in August as yields rise for first time since April

Worldwide air freight traffic rose 4.4% year on year in August, according to the airline industry body IATA, with average yields also increasing compared with July. It was the first monthly gain since April.

Available capacity was almost unchanged from August 2025, so load factors gained two percentage points. IATA called the yield movement an encouraging signal that demand is holding firm, and said stable capacity management and trade activity point to a solid finish to the year for carriers.

Growth was concentrated in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, the association said. Airlines in North America posted the largest increase, at 6.6% year on year, ahead of carriers in Latin America and the Caribbean at 5.1%. Operators based in Asia-Pacific recorded 4.3% growth and European airlines 4.1%.

Middle Eastern carriers saw a 1% rise, a weaker result than the 3.3% capacity they added. African airlines lifted volumes 3.0%.

IATA also pointed to wider economic indicators. Global trade expanded 6% year on year in July, it said, and its manufacturing output index rose in August. Jet fuel prices climbed 8.3% between July and August. The data arrives as the industry heads into its traditional year-end peak shipping season.