Elegbede Abiodun
Latin American and Caribbean carriers reported the weakest performance.
Records have shown that African airlines had the strongest growth in global air cargo demand in February 2026, posting a 21 per cent year-on-year increase, according to data from the International Air Transport Association.
Following the data released on Monday, the association said the capacity for African carriers also rose significantly, increasing by 17.3 per cent compared with February 2025.
Globally, air cargo demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres, grew by 11.2 per cent year-on-year in February, while international operations recorded a slightly higher increase of 11.6 per cent. Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres, increased by 8.5 per cent overall, with international capacity rising by 9.8 per cent.
Reacting to the global outlook, IATA Director General Willie Walsh said the sector showed strong growth despite emerging uncertainties in the operating environment.
“Air cargo demand grew 11.2% in February. Even considering the boost from the movement of goods ahead of the Lunar New Year, the month showed strong growth,” Walsh said.
He added that the outbreak of war in the Middle East at the end of the month created uncertainty over full-year performance.
“Sharply rising fuel costs, fuel scarcity in parts of the world, and severe disruption to key cargo hubs in the Gulf are major challenges. While air cargo has repeatedly proven its resilience, an early resolution of the conflict and normalisation of fuel supply and costs would be in everybody’s interest,” he said.
IATA noted several factors shaping the operating environment. Global goods trade grew by 5.2 per cent year-on-year in January, while jet fuel prices rose 1.2 per cent in February, reflecting continued volatility in refining margins.
The association also reported improved global manufacturing sentiment, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index rising to 53.1 in February, above the 50-point expansion threshold. The PMI for new export orders climbed to 51.4, the highest since July 2021, indicating positive conditions for air cargo demand.
Across other regions, Middle Eastern carriers recorded a 16.5 per cent year-on-year increase in air cargo demand with capacity rising 13.5 per cent, while Asia-Pacific airlines posted 13.6 per cent growth and a 10.1 per cent rise in capacity.
North American carriers saw demand increase by 9.4 per cent with capacity up 5.3 per cent, while European airlines recorded 6.9 per cent growth in demand and 6.1 per cent growth in capacity.
Latin American and Caribbean carriers reported the weakest performance, with demand rising 0.7 per cent and capacity increasing 4.5 per cent.
According to IATA, air freight volumes increased across all major trade corridors in February 2026, highlighting the resilience of the sector amid global challenges.
