International Air Cargo Grows as Passenger demand continues to shrink

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global passenger demand decreased by 0.8% in August 2026 compared to the previous year, excluding the Middle East where demand grew by 0.6%. Total capacity increased by 0.3%, with an 85.1% load factor. While air freight demand increased, overall passenger demand declined, influenced by reduced purchasing power and geopolitical instability.