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.

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.