May air cargo traffic grew in every region except Middle East

Global air cargo traffic rose 6% year over year overall in May as the industry looked forward to recovery from the disruption brought about by the Iran war. The only region to see YoY contractions in traffic and capacity was the Middle East, at 8.9% and 9.2%, respectively, according to monthly data released this week by IATA. [caption id="attachment_57298003" align="aligncenter" width="833"] (Courtesy/IATA)[/caption] Decreases in the Middle East were specific to a few carriers, rather than reflective of the whole region, Ludwig Hausmann, senior partner at consultancy McKinsey and Co., told Cargo Facts. Capacity on Qatar Airways and Saudia both contracted, while Emirates saw little change and Etihad grew, he said. [caption id="attachment_57298005" align="aligncenter" width="593"] (Courtesy/McKinsey)[/caption] More broadly, global international traffic, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers, rose 6.5% YoY in May as capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers, rose 1.9% YoY domestically and 2.8% internationally, according to IATA. “May’s strong performance coupled with macro-economic factors give cautious optimism for air cargo’s prospects over the remainder of the year,” IATA Director General Willie Walsh said in a release. “Meanwhile, yield growth and higher load factors are helping to recoup higher fuel costs ,” he said. “It’s still a tough year, particularly as Middle East uncertainties weigh heavily on parts of the industry, but robust demand and airline resilience are clear.” Data center equipment is a significant driver of demand, as are electronics and semiconductors, Hausmann said. Trade lane performance Traffic lane growth bifurcated in May. Although most regions saw exceptional growth, those connected to the Middle East saw stark contraction. Africa-Asia grew 14.1%, the eleventh consecutive month of growth; Asia-North America grew 19.9%, the fourth consecutive month of growth; Europe-Asia grew 10%, the thirty-ninth consecutive month of growth; Europe-Middle East dropped 19.8%, the third consecutive month of contraction; Europe-North America grew 0.4%, the first month of growth; Middle East-Asia dropped 16.5%, the third consecutive month of contraction; Intra-Asia grew 5.5%, the thirty-first consecutive month of growth; and Intra-Europe grew 11.5%, the fourth consecutive month of growth. External factors The IATA report highlighted external factors affecting cargo traffic: Global trade increased 5% YoY, making 25 months of consecutive annual growth. Jet fuel prices fell 16.3% month over month in May but remained 93.5% above YoY rates. Export orders weakened in May. Data from the Global Manufacturing Output Purchasing Managers’ Index suggested air cargo growth was supported by certain trade flows rather than a broad rise in global exports. As for June, “the first three weeks point to continued growth, up about 5% year over year and broad-based,” and the Middle East is recovering, McKinsey’s Hausmann said. In July, the European market likely will feel the impact of the EU’s new temporary 3-euro (3.43 USD) customs duty per item on low-value consignments, which goes into effect July 1 and lasts at least two years. This could result in the frontloading of such shipments in June, he said. Cargo Facts Symposium 2026, the premier event for the freighter aircraft and air cargo industries, will take place in Nashville, Tenn., on Oct. 21-23. Find out more and register by Sept. 4 to take advantage of early-bird pricing.

May air cargo traffic grew in every region except Middle East

Africa saw greatest YoY growth at 13.3%.

May freighter capacity extends April’s higher operating level

FedEx sells supply chain unit to CMA CGM Group for $1.4 billion

Related Posts

Retaliatory tariffs hit US imports into Canada

July cargo traffic data shows global growth ahead of uncertain peak

Freighter capacity grew in August

FedEx sells supply chain unit to CMA CGM Group for $1.4 billion

Cargo Facts Free Newsletters

Cargo Facts Connect Podcast

Follow Us

Welcome Back!

Retrieve your password