Global air cargo tonnages rebounded strongly in week two of the year — the first full week of 2026 — according to a WorldACD Market Data report. Chargeable weight was up 5% during the week, compared to the first week of 2025.
“Preliminary figures for week 2 (5 to 11 January) point towards a resumption of some of the broad trends experienced in 2025, in which cargo tonnages rose by an average of 4% across the full year, with rates averaging slightly below their level the previous year,” said WorldACD.
The report noted that 2025 had “began relatively slowly” with year-on-year growth averaging at 2% in January and February 2025.
“Early signs of year-on-year growth in 2026 should be seen in that context,” the report said.
Worldwide air cargo tonnages in week two increased 26% compared to the previous week. This followed weekly drops of 22% and 19% at the end of 2025. This leaves worldwide tonnages still 20% below mid-December levels.