GENEVA — July 4, 2025
Global air freight demand rose 2.2% year-on-year in May, according to fresh figures released by IATA today, signaling a steady resurgence in time-sensitive shipments amid ongoing maritime disruptions and rising seasonal activity.
“This latest growth confirms that air cargo remains a vital enabler of global supply chains,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, during a press briefing in Geneva.
Key Growth Drivers
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Asia–North America and Asia–Europe lanes continue to lead in volume, driven by high-tech, automotive, and pharmaceutical goods.
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Limited cargo capacity is keeping rates above long-term averages, with carriers still restoring widebody bellyhold supply.
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Hybrid models combining sea and air freight are gaining traction as companies seek flexible options to cope with bottlenecks.
This marks the fourth consecutive monthly increase, positioning air cargo as a strategic fallback while container shipping lanes face delays due to geopolitical risks and port congestion.
“When reliability matters more than cost, shippers turn to the skies,” said Camille Andreou, supply chain analyst at AeroTrade Insights.
IATA’s next report is expected to track further gains heading into Q3, especially with early holiday inventory strategies underway.
