International Air Freight Rates Rise Slightly in April! Significant Increases on Middle East and Europe Routes, Tightening Capacity Supply and Demand
 
International air freight rates saw a slight increase in April 2026. Affected by the Red Sea crisis and maritime route diversions, part of the sea cargo has shifted to air transport, resulting in tightening supply and demand for international air freight capacity. Among them, freight rates on the Middle East and Europe routes rose the most significantly. Air freight rates from Shenzhen to Dubai increased by 15% compared with March, those to London rose by 12%, and rates from Guangzhou to New York climbed by 8%. This was mainly due to airlines reallocating some wide-body aircraft to alternative sea routes, reducing air freight capacity.
 
In addition, global aviation fuel prices rose by 5% compared with March, further pushing up air freight costs. At present, the booking rate for air freight space from Shenzhen and Guangzhou to major airports worldwide has reached 80%, with tight capacity expected in late April.