African airlines recorded the strongest air cargo demand growth globally in August 2025, with volumes rising 11 per cent year-on-year, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Capacity also climbed 12.3 per cent during the period, reflecting an expansion in operations across the continent.
Globally, air cargo demand rose 4.1 per cent in August compared to the same month in 2024, marking the sixth consecutive month of year-on-year growth. International operations grew 5.1 per cent, while global capacity expanded 3.7 per cent, with international capacity up 5.5 per cent.
“Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTK), rose by 4.1 per cent compared to August 2024 levels (+5.1% for international operations). Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTK), increased by 3.7 per cent (+5.5% for international operations),” IATA reported.
IATA director general Willie Walsh attributed the growth to a shift from sea freight to air freight for high-value goods, as shippers seek to mitigate tariff risks. Growth was particularly strong on the Europe–Asia, Within Asia, Africa–Asia, and Middle East–Asia trade lanes, while North America-related routes saw slower demand.
Regionally, Asia-Pacific airlines recorded 9.8 per cent growth in demand, Europe 3.2 per cent, the Middle East 2.7 per cent, and Latin America 2.1 per cent. North American airlines, in contrast, saw demand decline by 2.1 per cent.
Additional drivers for air cargo growth included a 4 per cent year-on-year increase in global goods trade in July, a 14th consecutive month of declining jet fuel prices, and a rebound in global manufacturing PMI to 51.75, the strongest since June 2024.
