News
Air cargo traffic grows by double digits in February
March 31st 2026
Air cargo demand, measured by cargo tonne-kilometres (CTK), rose 11.2% in February compared with a year ago, buoyed by the shipment of goods during the traditionally busy Lunar New Year period. Read More » Air cargo capacity was 8.5% higher in the month, figures from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) show. "Even considering the boost that February received from the movement of goods ahead of Lunar New Year, the month showed strong growth," IATA director-general, Willie Walsh, said. "The outbreak of war in the Middle East at the end of the month, however, makes it difficult to see how full-year performance will unfold. While air cargo has repeatedly proven its resilience in the face of disruption, an early resolution of the war along with a normalisation of fuel supply and costs would be in everybody’s interest." The airline lobby group's monthly cargo report said the Asia-Pacific region had the second highest growth rate for cargo demand, with CTKs rising 13.6% in the 28 days. Africa led the six regions measured in the IATA report for CTK growth at 21%.
