International air cargo in Latin America and the Caribbean grows

International air cargo in Latin America and the Caribbean grew 3.3% year-on-year in May 2026, reaching 343,966 metric tons. Brazil and Colombia drove most of the regional increase, with both markets recording strong performance, while Mexico experienced another decline. Brazil handled 82,371 tons, its second-highest monthly volume on record, supported by growth to Germany, Colombia, Italy and Spain. Colombia reached its highest May volume ever at 76,113 tons, boosted by increased traffic with the United States and stronger regional trade flows. Market performance remained mixed across the region, with Peru recording 10.3% growth and Mexico declining 4.4% due to weaker routes to Hong Kong and Germany. ALTA highlighted the sector’s resilience despite cost pressures and geopolitical challenges, while calling for continued focus on competitiveness and investment. In May 2026, international air cargo transported from, to, and within Latin America and the Caribbean reached 343,966 metric tons, a year-on-year growth of 3.3% compared to the same month in 2025. Brazil and Colombia accounted for most of the increase recorded during the month. Brazil reached the second highest monthly volume of international air cargo since records began, while Colombia recorded the highest volume for the month of May. In contrast, Mexico registered a contraction again, although it maintains accumulated growth so far this year. International air cargo in May 2026: main results: Brazil and Colombia accounted for most of the regional growth. Brazil mobilized 82,371 tons (+6.3%) and Colombia 76,113 tons (+7.7%), offsetting the falls recorded in Mexico and Ecuador. Brazil recorded the second-highest monthly volume of international air cargo since records began. The country completed three consecutive months of growth. The increase was accompanied by higher volumes to Germany (+16.2%), Colombia (+26.9%), Italy (+12.9%) and Spain (+8.5%), while the corridor with the United States decreased 3.0%. Colombia reached a record for the month of May. The corridor with the United States contributed about 60% of the additional tons transported during the month. Among the regional markets, Chile stood out, whose volume practically doubled compared to May 2025. This increase coincided with a growth of more than 20% in Chilean exports of salmon and trout to Colombia. Peru recorded the highest percentage growth among the region’s major markets. International air cargo increased 10.3%, recovering from the drop seen in April. The corridor with the United States accounted for much of the increase, accompanied by higher volumes with Chile, Brazil and Ecuador. Mexico registered a contraction again. Air cargo decreased 4.4%, mainly due to the reductions observed in the corridors with Hong Kong (-30.2%) and Germany (-14.4%). In contrast, the corridor with the United States increased 1.8% and Spain (+21.6%) consolidated its position as the country’s second international freight corridor during May. The main corridors with the United States showed different results between markets. Mexico (+1.8%) and Colombia (+7.6%) increased their volumes, while Brazil (-3.0%), Peru (-5.0%) and Chile (-0.2%) registered reductions compared to May 2025. The market between Spain and Latin America and the Caribbean maintained growth. Mexico (+21.6%), Colombia (+3.0%) and Brazil (+1.2%) registered increases during May, while Peru (-13.8%) and Chile (-12.8%) reduced their volumes. “May’s data reflect a strong performance of air cargo in Latin America, driven mainly by Brazil and Colombia, which recorded their best results in several years. Despite cost increases and logistical challenges arising from the conflict in the Middle East, the region has demonstrated significant adaptability. However, trade behavior continues to be uneven between markets, so it will be essential to continue monitoring its evolution during the rest of the year. To sustain this growth, the industry needs an environment that promotes competitiveness, investment and clear rules for all actors,” said Peter Cerdá, CEO of ALTA.