IATA: Global air freight demand to reach record high in 2025

The latest data released by the International Air Transport Association shows that global air cargo demand is expected to increase by 3.4% in 2025 compared to the previous year, with international demand growing by 4.2%; capacity is expected to increase by 3.7%, with international capacity growing by 5.1%. In December 2025, global air cargo demand is expected to increase by 4.3% year-on-year, with international business growing by 5.5%; capacity is expected to increase by 4.5%, with international business growing by 6.4%. This marks a successful end to the year with strong overall performance. IATA predicts that global air cargo growth will slightly slow down to 2.4% in 2026, which is consistent with historical trends. Future demand will continue to be influenced by trade situations and geopolitical changes. Regardless of the final trade landscape, the critical role of air cargo in maintaining the global supply chain will remain irreplaceable; airlines will continue to respond to market challenges with higher flexibility by deploying capacity and optimizing network layout.