Air Cargo Market Size and Share - Growth Analysis Report and Forecast Trends 2026-2030

The global air cargo market generated roughly USD 186.24 billion in revenue in 2025 and is forecast to grow at about 5.1% annually through the late 2020s and into the 2030s. Demand, measured in Cargo Tonne-Kilometers (CTK), reached a record level in 2025, expanding around 4.3% year-on-year according to IATA data. The market serves shippers needing fast, reliable transport for high-value, time-sensitive, and temperature-controlled goods across long distances.

• •Global market size approximately USD 186.24 billion in 2025, growing at ~5.1% CAGR.
• •Cargo Tonne-Kilometers expanded ~4.3% year-on-year in 2025 to a record level.
• •Core product mix includes general cargo, express parcels, perishables, and pharma shipments.

Surging cross-border e-commerce volumes are reshaping demand, with consumers expecting next- and two-day delivery on international purchases that traditionally moved by sea. Pharmaceutical, biotech, and vaccine shipments continue to grow as cold-chain logistics mature, while semiconductor and electronics manufacturers increasingly rely on air freight to manage tight inventory cycles. Capacity additions on trans-Pacific and Asia-Europe corridors, combined with the reintroduction of more dedicated freighters, are supporting this higher demand.

• •Cross-border e-commerce and express parcel growth is a primary volume driver.
• •Pharmaceutical cold-chain and high-tech/electronics shipments are expanding faster than general cargo.
• •Trade lane shifts toward Asia-Europe and intra-Asia routes are boosting CTK growth.

By cargo type, the market splits into general cargo, special cargo (perishables, pharma, dangerous goods), and mail/express, with express and temperature-controlled segments expanding most rapidly. By service, scheduled airline belly-hold capacity accounts for the majority of tonne-kilometers, while dedicated freighters remain essential for outsized, hazardous, and remote-route shipments. Regionally, Asia-Pacific is the largest and fastest-growing origin region led by China, followed by North America and Europe, with the Middle East functioning as a major connecting hub.

• •Express and special cargo (pharma, perishables) are the fastest-growing cargo-type segments.
• •Asia-Pacific dominates volume, while the Middle East functions as a key connecting hub.
• •Belly-hold capacity on passenger flights still provides most scheduled tonne-kilometers.

What are the recent trends and outlook?

Sustainability is becoming a defining theme, with airlines investing in fuel-efficient freighters, SAF procurement programs, and route-optimization software to meet shipper Scope 3 emissions targets. Digitalization is accelerating through IATA's ONE Record data standard, e-AWB adoption, and AI-driven capacity pricing, improving visibility across the booking-to-delivery chain. With demand tracking ahead of capacity additions and global trade flows continuing to rebalance toward Asia, the market is positioned for sustained mid-single-digit revenue growth into the early 2030s.

• •SAF adoption, new-generation freighters, and digital ONE Record standards are reshaping operations.
• •Capacity growth is lagging demand, supporting stable yield levels on major trade lanes.
• •Mid-single-digit annual revenue growth is expected to continue through the early 2030s.