Global air cargo demand grows, momentum softens toward 2026

Global air cargo demand continued to grow through the final quarter of 2025, though signs of easing momentum are emerging as the market heads into 2026, according to DHL’s November Air Freight Market Update. Year-to-date global tonnage was up 4% year-on-year through October. However, growth in October remained largely flat compared with September, indicating a more moderate expansion following stronger gains earlier in the year. Demand remained strongest on Asia Pacific export lanes to Europe and the Americas, supported by steady volumes within the Asia Pacific region and on Europe–Asia trade routes.