Global air cargo demand climbed 5.5 per cent in November 2025, driven by emerging market strength and peak season activity despite uneven regional performance, reports London's Air Cargo News.

IATA said Africa led growth with a 15.6 per cent increase, while Asia Pacific rose 10.3 per cent on e-commerce and intra-regional trade. Middle Eastern carriers expanded volumes by 7.4 per cent, and European airlines grew 5.8 per cent. The Americas remained weak.

Capacity rose 4.7 per cent year on year, lifting cargo load factor to 49.1 per cent. IATA said the expansion reflected strategic fleet deployments across major markets.

Jet fuel prices gained 5.9 per cent, marking a third monthly rise. Cargo yields fell 2.9 per cent year on year but jumped 8.2 per cent month on month, the strongest increase since December 2021.

Global goods trade grew 3.2 per cent in October, while manufacturing sentiment strengthened in November with PMI at 51.17. New export orders edged up to 49.87 but stayed below the expansion threshold.

IATA director general Willie Walsh said strong emerging market demand and selective Middle Eastern growth offset softness in the Americas. He added the resilient fourth quarter bodes well for the industry entering 2026.