Air cargo demand across Asia-Pacific remains firm in 2026, led by artificial intelligence, technology and e-commerce shipments despite capacity constraints and disruptions, reports Mumbai's STAT Trade Times.

Dimerco's January freight report said flows to North America and Europe continue to be strong, even as global manufacturing growth slowed late last year. Exports of semiconductors, servers and high-performance computing equipment are keeping volumes elevated on long-haul and Intra-Asia routes.

In Northeast Asia, demand for AI and semiconductor cargo is tightening space and pushing rates higher. Taiwan's shipments rose 56 per cent year on year in November, while South Korea faces constrained capacity to both the US and Asia, driven by peak-season activity and major events.

China's air freight demand is building ahead of Chinese New Year. North China routes to Taipei and Singapore are seeing higher rates, while US-bound demand remains firm. Hong Kong continues to face tight capacity to Singapore and Bangkok, with surging US-bound volumes.

Southeast Asia is under pressure from seasonal demand and e-commerce backlogs. Vietnam, Singapore, the Philippines and Indonesia are experiencing congestion, while Thailand's US and Canada lanes remain tight. Shippers are advised to book several days in advance.

In India, fog and winter weather may disrupt schedules, though post-peak adjustments could ease capacity. Australia's demand softened after Christmas before tightening again ahead of Chinese New Year.

North America demand is forecast to rebound in late January, while European operations face strike-related disruptions at major airports. Dimerco said sustained demand from high-tech and e-commerce sectors will keep Asia-Pacific hubs such as Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Incheon and Narita congested through 2026.