The International Air Transport Association highlights a strong momentum in the sector, driven by global trade, but warns of uncertainties related to the Middle East and fuel costs.
IATA announces an 11.2% increase in global air freight demand in February 2026, measured in freight tonne-kilometers (FTK), while capacity grows by 8.5%. International operations show an even stronger growth, at 11.6%.
This performance comes in the context of a recovery in global trade (5.2% in January) and an improvement in the manufacturing climate, with the PMI index reaching 53.1. Export orders are also increasing, supporting prospects for air freight.
Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, points out that “demand has increased significantly despite the seasonal effect of the Lunar New Year,” while warning that the conflict in the Middle East complicates visibility for the year.
Aviation fuel prices have finally increased moderately over the year (1.2%), but the report mainly notes the volatility of refining margins (Brent-jet fuel spread) and supply tensions, which are more structuring risk factors than just the 1.2%.
Regionally, Africa (21%) and the Middle East (16.5%) record the highest growth rates, while Latin America remains at the bottom (0.7%). Asia-Pacific (13.6%) and North America (9.4%) also show solid progressions.
