The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported a 4.8 percent decline in global cargo demand for March, primarily due to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

The regional turmoil led to airspace closures and flight cancellations, severely impacting major Gulf cargo hubs such as Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi.

According to IATA's latest report, the Middle Eastern carriers experienced a 54.3 percent year-on-year drop in air cargo demand, accompanied by a 52.4 percent decrease in capacity during the same period.

The disruptions caused by these conflicts coincided with the post-Lunar New Year slowdown, further contributing to the decline in global cargo volumes.

Despite this challenging environment, IATA Director General Willie Walsh noted that the underlying demand trends within the aviation sector remain strong.

Furthermore, recent adjustments to trade and gross domestic product forecasts by organizations such as the World Trade Organization and the International Monetary Fund indicate continued economic growth for 2026.

Walsh emphasized the adaptability of air cargo networks in supporting global supply chains amidst geopolitical tensions, tariff changes, and operational challenges.

However, he also pointed out that fuel prices are expected to pose a significant test to the industry's resilience in the upcoming months.

In contrast, airlines operating within the African region reported a 7 percent year-on-year growth in cargo demand for March, albeit with a capacity decline of 4.6 percent.

The Asia-Pacific region saw a 5.4 percent increase in air cargo demand, coupled with a 5 percent rise in capacity.

European carriers experienced a modest 2.2 percent increase in cargo demand compared to the previous year, while North American airlines witnessed a 1.2 percent decline.

Latin American and Caribbean carriers observed a 1.8 percent growth in air cargo demand for March, alongside a 5.1 percent rise in capacity.