Air Cargo Tonnages Rebound 26% as 2026 Supply Chains Wake Up

The air freight market has entered 2026 with an aggressive “V-shaped” recovery. Following the traditional year-end dip, global air cargo tonnages surged by 26% in the first full week of January. This rebound is particularly concentrated in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East corridors, where the shift from ocean to air—driven by “just-in-time” inventory requirements—remains a dominant strategy for high-value electronics and seasonal retail.

While volumes have skyrocketed, global average rates have shown relative stability, currently hovering at $2.46 per kilo. However, this pricing “calm” is expected to be short-lived. With the Lunar New Year approaching on February 17, we are seeing the beginning of a massive front-loading phase. Freight forwarders are reporting a “scramble for space” as manufacturers in China and Southeast Asia attempt to clear orders before the holiday shutdown. For OSM Holdings, this environment requires a move away from the spot market in favor of block-space agreements (BSAs) to insulate against the price spikes anticipated in the final week of January.

Source: Air Cargo Week – Global Air Cargo Rebounds 2026