African airlines record world’s strongest air cargo growth in February

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for February 2026 global air cargo markets showing African airlines saw a 21.0 percent year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in February, the strongest rise of all regions. Capacity increased by 17.3 percent year-on-year.

Globally, total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), rose by 11.2 percent compared to February 2025 levels (+11.6 percent for international operations).

Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), increased by 8.5 percent compared to February 2025 (+9.8 percent for international operations).

“Air cargo demand grew 11.2 percent in February. Even considering the boost that February received from the movement of goods ahead of Lunar New Year, the month showed strong growth.

“The outbreak of war in the Middle East at the end of the month, however, makes it difficult to see how full-year performance will unfold. Sharply rising fuel costs, fuel scarcity in parts of the world, and the severe disruption to key cargo hubs in the Gulf are major shifts.

“While air cargo has repeatedly proven its resilience in the face of disruption, an early resolution of the war along with a normalization of fuel supply and costs would be in everybody’s interest,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

The global goods trade grew by 5.2 percent year-on-year in January.
Jet fuel prices rose 1.2 percent year-on-year in February, while a widening Brent–jet fuel crack spread highlighted continued volatility in refining margins.

Global manufacturing sentiment strengthened in February, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rising to 53.1, remaining above the 50-point expansion threshold. The PMI for new export orders rose to 51.4, above the growth threshold and the highest level since July 2021, indicating positive conditions for air cargo demand.

Asia-Pacific airlines saw a 13.6 percent year-on-year growth in air cargo demand in February. Capacity increased by 10.1 percent year-on-year.

North American carriers saw a 9.4 percent year-on-year increase in air cargo demand in February. Capacity increased by 5.3 percent year-on-year.

European carriers saw a 6.9 percent year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in February. Capacity increased 6.1 percent year-on-year.

Middle Eastern carriers saw a 16.5 percent year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in February. Capacity increased by 13.5 percent year-on-year.

Latin American and Caribbean carriers saw a 0.7 percent year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in February, the weakest performance of all regions. Capacity increased by 4.5 percent year-on-year.

African airlines saw a 21.0 percent year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in February, the strongest rise of all regions. Capacity increased by 17.3 percent year-on-year.