Global air cargo demand rose by 4.4 percent year-on-year in March 2025, marking the highest demand ever recorded for the month, according to the latest data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The growth figure reflects continued recovery in the air freight market, with international cargo operations registering an even stronger increase of 5.5 percent.

Alongside rising demand, cargo capacity also saw a 4.3 percent year-on-year increase in March, with international capacity growing by 6.1 percent. The near-parallel growth in demand and capacity suggests a relatively balanced market, supported by a gradual easing of supply chain disruptions and improved bellyhold capacity on passenger routes.

While capacity has remained constrained in certain regions, the overall figures reflect a stabilising environment for global air cargo, bolstered by solid trade activity across major routes.

The March results build on the momentum seen throughout the first quarter of 2025, which has been characterised by modest but steady gains in demand across key global markets. Trade activity in Asia-Pacific, the Americas, and parts of Europe has been particularly strong, supported by shifts in sourcing strategies, e-commerce flows, and continued resilience in time-sensitive sectors like pharmaceuticals and electronics.

March regional performance

Asia-Pacific airlines saw 9.6 percent year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in March, the strongest growth among the regions. Capacity increased by 11.3 percent year-on-year.

North American carriers saw a 9.5 percent year-on-year increase in demand growth for air cargo in March. Capacity increased by 6.1 percent year-on-year.

European carriers saw a 4.5 percent year-on-year increase in demand growth for air cargo in March. Capacity increased 2.0 percent year-on-year.

Middle Eastern carriers saw a -3.2 percent year-on-year decrease in demand growth for air cargo in March. Capacity increased by 0.8 percent year-on-year. It’s possible the weakness in this market is due to year-on-year comparison with the strong growth at the start of 2024 resulting from disruption to Red Sea maritime freight.

Latin American carriers saw 5.8 percent year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in March. Capacity increased 4.7 percent year-on-year.

African airlines saw a -13.4 percent year-on-year decrease in demand for air cargo in March, the slowest among the regions. Capacity increased by 10.5 percent year-on-year.

Trade Lane Growth: The Europe-North America route was the busiest trade lane in March. The largest trade lane by market share, Asia-North America, also grew strongly, possibly encouraged by front-loading shipments ahead of potential increased tariffs. Europe-Middle East and Africa-Asia were the only trade lanes to decline in March.

IATA attributed part of the demand surge to evolving global trade patterns, including responses to geopolitical uncertainty and shifting manufacturing hubs. These dynamics have helped drive increased reliance on airfreight, especially for high-value and urgent shipments

Commenting on the results, IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh noted that the growth in March reflects both the strength of the air cargo sector and the growing need for reliability in global supply chains. “Air cargo continues to demonstrate its value in supporting global trade and economic resilience,” Walsh said in the release.