IATA cuts 2026 air cargo growth view to 0.2%; revenue still seen at $162bn

Summary

IATA trimmed its 2026 air cargo volume forecast to 71.7 million tonnes, up just 0.2% year on year versus a 2.6% call in March, citing Middle East disruption. Cargo revenue is still projected at USD 162 billion, up 7.2% on 2025, with yields rising 6.5% and fuel costs jumping nearly 40% to USD 350 billion. Tight capacity keeps rates elevated for time-critical and e-commerce shipments.