Global air cargo demand grew 7.7% year on year in September 2026, IATA reported on 29 October. Capacity rose only 2.7%, so the average load factor climbed to 47.9%.
- European airlines: demand up 4.5%, capacity down 1.6%, and a load factor of 54.6%, the highest of all regions.
- Europe–Asia: up 6.0%, the 43rd month of growth in a row.
- Europe–North America: up 9.3%.
- Europe–Middle East: down 18.0%, the seventh monthly decline in a row.
The main concern is cost. Jet fuel prices rose 17.5% from August and were 103.4% higher than a year earlier. IATA’s chief economist Marie Owens Thomsen said there is no shortage of goods to ship and that the challenge is cost.
What this means for shippers
Airline fuel surcharges are likely to rise, and European flights have less free space as the peak season starts. Book air shipments early, especially to Asia and North America, and compare the total price including surcharges. We confirm the current surcharges in every quote.
Source: IATA.