Global air freight increases by 5.5%: Africa and Asia drive the rise, America remains slower

Air freight starts 2026 on an encouraging note: global demand increased by about 5.5% over the measured period, driven by stronger dynamics in some emerging markets. The relayed analyzes mention a contrasting performance depending on the regions: Africa and Asia-Pacific show the most significant gains, while the Americas remain behind, a sign of a market that is still moving at different speeds.

This increase is explained by a classic but still powerful mix: peak season activity, urgent needs (critical parts, pharmaceuticals), and the maintenance of e-commerce flows on routes where air transport remains essential despite cost pressures. In parallel, sector forecasts for 2026 suggest more moderate annual growth, which reinforces the idea of a gradual return to “normalization” after years of significant turbulence.

For freight forwarders, the signal is clear: the market still offers opportunities, but the reading must be precise. The winning corridors are not necessarily the same everyplace, and performance will depend on the ability to combine: intelligent allocations, route flexibility, and permanent arbitration between speed, cost, and reliability.

In summary, demand is picking up again, but selectively. Those who will capture the value will be those capable of aligning network, capacity, and operational execution in areas where growth is truly “active,” not just announced.

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