Air Freight Forwarding Market Size - Share Outlook, Growth Analysis Report and Forecast Trends 2026-2030

Air freight forwarding is the intermediary service that books cargo space on airlines, manages documentation, and arranges collection and final-mile delivery for shippers moving goods internationally. Global carrier data shows air cargo tonne-kilometers expanding in the low single digits in early 2025, indicating modest but sustained volume growth after the volatility of recent years. Forwarders capture roughly two-fifths of the broader air freight market by value, underscoring their importance in structuring supply chains for manufacturers and retailers.

The most powerful tailwind is the continued surge in cross-border e-commerce, which favors air over ocean for speed-sensitive parcels and returns. Pharmaceutical cold-chain shipments, semiconductor and electronics movement, and replenishment of just-in-time automotive and industrial inventories are also lifting demand for expedited and high-security air services. At the same time, ongoing disruption in ocean shipping and port congestion is pushing time-sensitive cargo toward air as a reliable alternative.

By service type, the market splits between standard freight forwarding, expedited and same-day solutions, and value-added services such as customs brokerage, warehousing, and cargo insurance. End-use demand is led by manufacturing, retail and consumer goods, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, and automotive, with e-commerce shippers emerging as the fastest-growing customer group. Regionally, Asia-Pacific dominates volumes thanks to manufacturing hubs in China, Vietnam, India, and South Korea, while North America and Europe remain the largest outbound and inbound markets.

What are the recent trends and outlook?

Digitalization is reshaping the sector, with forwarders investing in online booking platforms, real-time visibility tools, API integrations with carriers, and AI-driven capacity and routing optimization. Sustainability commitments from shippers and airlines are driving adoption of sustainable aviation fuel and emissions reporting, areas where forwarders are increasingly expected to play an intermediary role. Over the medium term, the market is expected to keep growing at around 5% annually, supported by e-commerce, pharma, and high-tech demand, though profitability will depend on managing volatile fuel costs and shifting capacity.

Named companies and quantified developments shaping the Air Freight Forwarding Market market.

• •Kuehne+Nagel (K+N) - K+N saw its airfreight volumes increase by 5.5% last year to 2.1m tonnes.
• •DHL Global Forwarding - DHL Global Forwarding saw air cargo demand grow by 6.8% to 1.8m tonnes.
• •DSV - DSV saw its airfreight volumes increase by 7.1% year on year to 1.4m tonnes.
• •CEVA Logistics - CEVA Logistics saw its airfreight volumes increase by 66.7% year on year to 750,000 tonnes.