Air cargo volumes rebound as global capacity returns after holidays

Global air cargo volumes and capacity recovered in the week ended June 7, 2026, following a slowdown caused by a series of public holidays across Europe, the United States, the Middle East, South Asia and Africa, according to the latest figures from WorldACD Market Data. Despite the rebound in activity, global airfreight rates slipped 1% week on week (WoW) as aviation fuel prices continued to ease.

Global chargeable weight increased 3% WoW in week 23 (June 1-7), following a 7% decline the previous week. The recovery was driven by North America, where volumes rose 16%, and the Middle East & South Asia (MESA), which recorded a 13% increase. Europe posted 6% growth, while Africa was up 3%. In contrast, volumes from Asia Pacific and Central & South America (CSA) declined 2% each.

The impact of the four-day Eid al-Adha holiday remained visible in a comparison of the past two weeks with the previous fortnight (2Wo2W). Outbound chargeable weight from MESA and Africa fell 13% and 12% respectively, while other regions recorded smaller declines. Volumes from Europe, North America and MESA were lower across all intercontinental sectors during the period.

Asia Pacific was the only region to record growth on a major trade lane, with tonnage to North America increasing 3%. Volumes from the region declined on other sectors, reflecting continued demand for e-commerce shipments and AI-related equipment, particularly from Southeast Asia.

Compared with the same week last year, global chargeable weight was 6% higher. However, WorldACD noted that Pentecost and Eid al-Adha took place two weeks later in 2025, making direct year-on-year (YoY) comparisons less straightforward. The week following these holidays last year recorded a 2% WoW increase in chargeable weight, similar to this year's recovery.

Tonnages from Africa and MESA were down 5% and 2% YoY respectively due to the different timing of Eid al-Adha. Other regions recorded growth ranging from 3% in Europe to 9% in Asia Pacific.

Traffic from MESA to Europe increased 13% WoW, supported by growth from Dubai (+19%) and India (+9%). Exports from the region to the United States fell 4% overall due to lower volumes from Bangladesh (-42%) and India (-2%).

Traffic from Asia Pacific to Europe declined 6% WoW, with double-digit drops from Malaysia (-24%), Vietnam (-16%), Taiwan (-11%) and Singapore (-10%). Exports from Asia Pacific to the United States were flat overall, as higher volumes from Thailand, Vietnam and South Korea were offset by declines from Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Japan.

Global air cargo capacity also recovered during the week. After falling 1% in week 22, worldwide capacity increased 1% WoW, driven by an 8% rise from MESA and a 2% increase from Africa. Capacity from North America declined 2%, while other regions remained unchanged.

Flights to and from MESA rose 11% WoW after declining 5% the previous week, with Doha reaching its highest capacity level in five weeks. However, capacity from MESA remained 28% below pre-Iran war levels, with the Gulf Area down 43% and South Asia down 11%.

Global airfreight rates fell 1% WoW to an average of $3.24 per kilogram as aviation fuel prices continued to decline. Rates from Africa and MESA fell 10% and 4% respectively, while prices from Europe and CSA declined 1%. Rates from Asia Pacific and North America increased 1%.

YoY pricing remained 33% higher globally. CSA recorded the smallest increase at 9%, while gains in other regions ranged from 26% in North America to 47% in MESA.

Spot rates from Asia Pacific increased 1% WoW, driven by a 3% rise on services to the United States and a 1% increase to Europe. Rates to the United States were supported by higher prices from Japan (+13%), Indonesia (+8%), China (+3%) and Vietnam (+3%), while rates from South Korea fell 11%.

Spot rates from Asia Pacific to Europe were generally stable WoW among the main origin countries, with China recording a 5% increase and Thailand a 6% decline.

WorldACD noted that a new outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East this week has halted the recent fall in oil prices, potentially creating upward pressure on airfreight rates if the conflict continues.