Global air cargo tonnages rose sharply in the first full week of 2026, with volumes up five per cent year-on-year, reported Sydney's Asian Aviation citing WorldACD Market Data.

Preliminary figures for January 5-11 show a 26 per cent week-on-week rebound after steep declines at the end of 2025. Worldwide tonnages remain 20 per cent below mid-December levels, but growth was recorded across all regions except Africa.

Freighter capacity regained 15 per cent week-on-week after seasonal cutbacks, though overall capacity is still seven per cent below December peaks. Average rates slipped two per cent to US$2.46 per kilo, 10 per cent below mid-December but slightly above the same period last year.

Year-on-year growth was led by Middle East and South Asia origins, up 16 per cent, followed by Asia Pacific at eight per cent and North America at seven per cent. Asia Pacific to US traffic rose 10 per cent, driven by Southeast Asia, while flows to Europe climbed 15 per cent, boosted by China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Thailand.

Middle East and South Asia markets continued strong growth seen late last year, with Dubai a key driver. Traffic from the region to the US rose 10 per cent and to Europe 16 per cent. Analysts noted container shipping's partial return to the Red Sea via Suez may affect air cargo, though regional instability remains a constraint.

Global spot rates eased one per cent to $2.62 per kilo, down four per cent year-on-year. Declines from Middle East and South Asia, Asia Pacific and Europe were partly offset by a 12 per cent rise from Africa origins.