The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports that global civil aviation cargo traffic was up 5.8% in April 2025 compared to April last year. Global air freight demand has rebounded after a brief 0.1% slump in February this year and has been expanding for the second month in a row, with the cargo traffic up 4.4% year-on-year in March.
On international routes, civil aviation cargo traffic rose 6.5% year-on-year in April, with growth recorded in all macro-regions of the world. Asia-Pacific (+10%) and Latin America (+10.1%) grew at double-digit rates in April.
IATA analysts attribute the high growth rate of global cargo aviation to sustained activity in global industrial production against the backdrop of traditional demand for summer clothing and other seasonal consumer goods.
IATA analysts also note that available cargo capacity for commercial air freight is growing faster than demand. Supply in the air cargo market expanded by 6.3% year-on-year in April.
Airlines’ profitability from freight traffic is strong, primarily due to low jet fuel prices: in April, it cost carriers an average of 21% less than in April last year.
Despite significant gains in April, IATA CEO Willie Walsh warned of downside risks to demand amid uncertainty over U.S. trade policy.