IATA forecasts slight growth in air cargo volumes for 2025 but cuts earlier projections due to global economic uncertainty
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has revised its 2025 forecast, projecting global air cargo volumes to reach 69 million tonnes — a marginal 0.6% increase over 2024, but below its earlier estimate of 72.5 million tonnes.
The air cargo sector witnessed an 11.3% growth in volumes last year, but slowing global GDP and rising protectionist trade policies, including tariffs, have prompted more cautious expectations for the year ahead. As a result, airlines’ cargo revenues are expected to decline by 4.7% to $142 billion. Cargo yields are also forecasted to drop by 5.2%, influenced by slower demand growth and declining oil prices.
Despite these challenges, IATA Director General Willie Walsh noted that both passenger and cargo volumes are set to surpass 2024 levels, though prior projections have been tempered.
Air cargo demand in April 2025 still showed resilience, with a 5.8% year-on-year rise. Meanwhile, airline profitability is expected to improve, thanks to lower fuel costs — even as supply chain disruptions delay aircraft deliveries, with the backlog now exceeding 17,000 units.
Source: Air Cargo News
