The punctuality of air freight declines in 2025, a warning sign for the reliability of global supply chains

The “on-time” performance of air cargo deteriorated in 2025, reminding us of an often underestimated reality: speed is no longer enough, it is reliability that makes the difference. Behind this decline, several factors combine: capacity readjustments, operational constraints at certain hubs, and disruptions related to regulatory and commercial changes that weigh on planning.

For supply chain stakeholders, this decline in punctuality is not just a technical indicator. It translates into higher safety stocks, more cautious planning, and sometimes shifts to other solutions (multimodal, partial modal report) when criticality allows. On sensitive flows — healthcare, electronics, aeronautics, high-turnover retail — the slightest variation in performance immediately impacts the customer promise.

This situation also increases the importance of data: real-time visibility, quality of status information, ability to anticipate incidents and quickly re-route. Companies and freight forwarders that invest in “end-to-end” traceability and more standardized processes become mechanically more attractive because they reduce uncertainty for shippers.

The underlying message is clear: air freight remains a strategic tool, but the year 2025 has shown that operational robustness has become a competitive advantage. The battle is no longer solely about the price per kilogram, but about precision, service continuity, and the ability to keep a promise despite an unstable environment.

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