Signal Air freight rates spike as maritime routes are disrupted

Summary

Demand for air cargo keeps rising around the world. It grew from about 20 billion cargo tonne-kilometres in 2017 to just over 24 billion in 2026, based on May data. Further expansion is expected as e-commerce shipments grow from Asia to North America, from Europe to Asia and within Asia itself. Disruptions to maritime shipping routes in 2026 have intensified the shift towards air transport. On some routes, air freight rates have risen by as much as 70% as a result.