Global air cargo demand posted an 8.5% year-on-year increase in June, according to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The rebound was largely fueled by a partial ceasefire between the United States and Iran, which alleviated shipping disruptions and allowed logistics networks to normalize operations after months of geopolitical uncertainty.
The resumption of stable trade flows provided immediate relief to the air freight sector, which had been weighed down by elevated energy costs and route diversions.
With shipping lanes reopening and fuel price pressures easing, carriers were able to restore capacity and meet pent-up demand for time-sensitive goods.
This development aligns with broader signs of stabilization in global supply chains, as seen in recent improvements in African purchasing managers’ indices and infrastructure output in India.
The IATA figures underscore how quickly air cargo volumes can respond to geopolitical de-escalation.