The global air freight industry witnessed a significant uptick in demand as the holiday season approached in late 2025. According to the latest data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), worldwide air cargo demand experienced a robust year-on-year increase of 5.5% in the month of November. This growth underscores the sector's resilience and its critical role in supporting global trade, particularly during peak shopping periods.
Key Drivers Behind the November Surge
Several interconnected factors contributed to this notable rise in air cargo volumes. The primary catalyst was the year-end holiday push, with manufacturers and retailers rushing to stock shelves and fulfill e-commerce orders ahead of major festivities like Christmas and New Year. This period traditionally sees a spike in the shipment of consumer goods, electronics, and perishable items. Furthermore, ongoing supply chain diversification strategies by businesses, aimed at reducing reliance on single sources, continued to support demand for faster air freight solutions over slower maritime options.
The report highlighted that all major regional markets contributed to this positive growth trajectory. The Asia-Pacific region, a manufacturing powerhouse, remained a key driver of outbound cargo. Similarly, trade lanes connecting major economic blocs showed strengthened activity. The data indicates that companies were willing to pay a premium for air transport to ensure timely delivery and avoid potential logistical snags during the high-demand season.
Capacity and Market Performance Insights
Alongside the surge in demand, the industry also saw an expansion in available cargo capacity. Total capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTKs), rose by 4.0% compared to November 2024. This growth in capacity was supported by both dedicated cargo flights and the belly hold space of passenger aircraft, as international passenger travel continued its recovery, adding more lower-deck capacity to the market.
However, the increase in demand slightly outpaced the growth in capacity. This dynamic is crucial as it applies upward pressure on freight rates and indicates a healthy, tightening market for cargo operators. The load factor, a key indicator of how full cargo aircraft are, showed improvement. The global average cargo load factor for November 2025 was 2.0 percentage points higher than the previous year's level, demonstrating more efficient utilization of available space.
Implications for Trade and the Indian Market
The sustained growth in air cargo is a positive signal for the global economy, reflecting active trade flows and consumer spending. For a trade-oriented nation like India, these trends are particularly relevant. Indian exporters, especially in sectors like pharmaceuticals, textiles, and high-value engineering goods, rely heavily on efficient air cargo links to reach international markets. The strong November performance suggests robust external demand, which can benefit India's export economy.
Looking ahead, industry analysts suggest that the momentum from the year-end peak may carry into the early months of 2026, though at a potentially moderated pace. The performance will hinge on broader economic conditions, including inflation trends and consumer confidence in key Western markets. Nevertheless, the November 2025 data solidifies air cargo's position as an indispensable artery of modern commerce, adept at meeting the urgent demands of a globalized marketplace.
In conclusion, the 5.5% year-on-year growth in global air cargo demand for November 2025 paints a picture of an industry capitalizing on seasonal trends and underlying economic activity. With capacity growing in tandem and load factors improving, the sector appears well-positioned as it navigates the complexities of international trade and logistics.
