African Airlines Lead Global Cargo Growth in March 2026

In March 2026, African airlines recorded a 7% year-on-year increase in cargo demand, leading global air cargo growth, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This growth occurred despite a worldwide cargo demand decline of 4.8%.

Africa emerged as the fastest-growing air freight region during this period, showcasing its strengthening role in global logistics and expanding trade routes to Asia. African airlines achieved the strongest cargo demand growth globally, even as cargo capacity declined by 4.6%.

The region's performance indicates that African carriers effectively maximized tighter freight space and improved trade efficiency, particularly in the Asia-Pacific market, which holds a 36% share. In contrast, the overall global air cargo market faced challenges, with total demand down 4.8% and total capacity contracting by 4.7%.

IATA's Director General, Willie Walsh, attributed the global slowdown primarily to war-related disruptions affecting major Gulf cargo hubs, compounded by the usual post-Lunar New Year slowdown.