LatAm Air Cargo Surges Despite Fuel Spike and Middle East Tension

Despite significant headwinds from elevated aviation fuel prices and Middle East geopolitical tensions, air cargo carriers operating out of Central and South American (CSA) hubs are experiencing robust demand. WorldACD data shows chargeable weight departures from the region increased 4% during the April 1-21 period compared to the same timeframe in 2025, signaling resilience in cargo flows. This growth reflects the continued strength of ecommerce-driven logistics and sustained demand from Asian markets, which appear to be more than offsetting cost pressures from fuel surges.

The positive momentum in LatAm air cargo is noteworthy given the external shocks affecting global aviation. Historically, spikes in jet fuel costs and regional conflicts have constrained air freight capacity and pricing dynamics. However, the data suggests that supply chain operators are maintaining routing flexibility and that consumer demand—particularly from ecommerce channels—continues to drive volume growth.

This indicates that CSA cargo networks are becoming increasingly competitive gateways for cross-border and transpacific trade, even as carriers absorb higher fuel surcharges. For supply chain professionals, this trend underscores the importance of monitoring regional capacity hubs and demand patterns as alternatives to congested primary routes. The resilience of LatAm air cargo during a period of cost inflation suggests opportunities for route optimization and carrier capacity planning, while also highlighting the vulnerability of carrier margins to sustained fuel volatility.