Global air cargo demand fell 4.8 per cent in March compared with a year earlier as the Middle East conflict disrupted Gulf hubs and raised fuel costs, reports Namibia's Windhoek Observer.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said total cargo demand measured in tonne-kilometres declined 4.8 per cent, with international operations down 5.5 per cent. Capacity fell 4.7 per cent overall and 6.8 per cent internationally.

Director general Willie Walsh said the fall was driven by disruptions at Gulf transit hubs and the usual post-Lunar New Year slowdown. He noted global trade indicators still point to growth in 2026 despite the setback.

The decline followed February's 11.2 per cent growth, showing how quickly geopolitical tensions have hit freight markets. Jet fuel prices rose 106.6 per cent year-on-year in March, crude oil 43.1 per cent and refining margins 320 per cent, adding to airline costs.

African airlines recorded the strongest growth at 7.0 per cent, though capacity fell 4.6 per cent. Asia-Pacific carriers grew 5.4 per cent and European airlines 2.2 per cent. North American carriers saw demand down 1.2 per cent, while Latin America rose 1.8 per cent.

Middle Eastern airlines posted the sharpest decline, with cargo demand down 54.3 per cent and capacity off 52.4 per cent. Routes linked to the Gulf collapsed, with Europe-Middle East traffic down 57.6 per cent and Middle East-Asia down 58.6 per cent.

Mr Walsh said air cargo networks continue to support supply chains, but rising fuel costs and supply challenges will test the sector in the months ahead.

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