Despite the conflict in the Middle East, global cargo movement grew 11.2% in February 2026 compared to the same month in 2025 , the International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced .
“Demand for air cargo grew by 11.2% in February. Even taking into account the boost in demand from the increased flow of goods ahead of the Lunar New Year, February saw strong growth. However, the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East at the end of the month makes it impossible for us to predict demand trends for 2026,” emphasized Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
He said that the sharp increase in fuel costs, its scarcity in some parts of the world and the chaos at major cargo airports in the Gulf (Persian) are causing considerable changes.
“Although air freight has repeatedly demonstrated its strength and flexibility in adverse situations, the best outcome for everyone is for the war to end soon and for fuel supplies and costs to return to normal,” he said.
According to IATA data, the price of jet fuel (the fuel used by airplanes) has risen, on average, 118.9% globally between February 20 and March 20, 2026, due to the conflict in the Middle East.
During the second month of 2026, Middle Eastern airlines recorded a 16.5% year-on-year increase in tonne-kilometers transported, while capacity grew 13.5% year-on-year.
Meanwhile, Latin American and Caribbean airlines increased ton-kilometers transported by 0.7% compared to February 2025. They also reported a 4.5% annual growth in capacity.
North American airlines saw a 9.4% year-on-year increase and a 5.3% increase in capacity during the comparison period, according to IATA data.
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