Global air freight markets saw a sharp rebound in early January after year-end declines, with volumes and rates recovering strongly as capacity returned to service, reported Birmingham's Metro Shipping.

Average east-west spot rates strengthened into December on peak-season demand, particularly on Asia-US and Asia-Europe lanes. Rates eased at year-end but remained slightly ahead of the same point last year, underscoring seasonal adjustment rather than structural weakness.

Outbound Asia rates rose firmly in December, supported by e-commerce flows. Asia-Europe pricing proved more resilient than Asia-US, reflecting stronger demand from European consumers. Rates closed the year marginally below December 2024 levels, showing a solid but less aggressive peak.

Global tonnages rose more than 25 per cent week on week in the first full week of January, reversing late-December declines. Chargeable weight was around five per cent higher than a year earlier, signalling a stronger start to 2026. The rebound was broad-based across all regions except Africa, with Asia Pacific leading in absolute terms.

Freighter operators reinstated services cut after the peak, lifting capacity more than 15 per cent week on week in early January. Overall global capacity remained about seven per cent below mid-December levels, but supply is returning quickly.

Asia Pacific origins led year-on-year growth, up about eight per cent. Asia-US volumes rose 10 per cent, driven by Southeast Asia, while China and Hong Kong flows were flat. Asia-Europe volumes grew 15 per cent, supported by China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Thailand, highlighting Europe's growing role as a destination market.

Beyond Asia, the Middle East and South Asia posted double-digit growth on Europe- and US-bound lanes entering 2026. Metro Global said proactive planning and close carrier partnerships remain key to securing lift and service predictability.