News » 26.05.2026 - Global airfreight tonnage rises 5% in April despite slow demand
Global airfreight volume dropped 7% week on week during week 18 (April 27 to May 3) after the Mother's Day flower rush ended and Labor Day holidays reduced business activity in several countries. Despite softer demand and higher bellyhold capacity, pricing continued to rise.
Preliminary April results showed global airfreight tonnage increased 5% year on year after declining 4% in March. Global average rates rose from 12% year on year in March to 28 % in April, reaching US$3.17 per kilogram.
With the exception of the Middle East & South Asia (MESA), all origin regions recorded lower week-on-week tonnage in week 18. Chargeable weight declined 9% from Central and South America, Asia Pacific, and Europe, according to WorldACD Market Data.
Asia Pacific volumes were affected by Labor Day holidays and Japan's Golden Week. Tonnage from Asia Pacific to Europe declined 1% week on week, driven by lower volumes from Vietnam and Japan, while China, Hong Kong, and Malaysia posted limited growth. Asia to Europe tonnage remained 7% higher year on year.
After three weeks of growth, Asia Pacific to U.S. volumes fell 4% week on week, although South Korea recorded a 10% increase.
MESA exports to Europe declined 3% week on week due to lower traffic from Dubai, Bangladesh, and India. Exports from MESA to the U.S. fell 2%week on week, although Sri Lanka recorded a 25% increase.
Freighter capacity declined 2.7% week on week as airlines responded to weaker demand and higher aviation fuel costs, which have nearly doubled since late February. Overall global capacity remained unchanged from week 17, while April capacity was 2% higher year on year.
Despite slower traffic, pricing continued to rise. Global rates increased another 3% week on week to US$3.29 per kilogram and were 37% higher year on year. Pricing rose 6% from Asia Pacific and 4% from Central and South America.
April pricing increased 28% year on year globally, led by MESA at 63%, followed by Africa at 37% and Europe at 31%.
After a 4% decline in March, global airfreight tonnage returned to growth in April, rising 5% year on year, supported by continued recovery in Gulf-based airline operations. Chargeable weight from MESA and Asia Pacific both increased by 7% year on year.
Year-to-date tonnage increased 4% globally, led by Asia Pacific at 7% and Central and South America at 5%.
The positive momentum seen in April was later affected by renewed hostilities in the Gulf region on May 4, which caused airspace closures, flight cancellations, and rerouting.
Source: www floraldaily.com
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