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New figures from Cargo IQ point to a decline in the on-time performance of major airlines, with average reliability dropping to 77% in July. This represents a decrease from 80% in June and 81% in May, signalling a downward trend that is causing concern within the air cargo sector.

Cargo IQ, the IATA interest group responsible for performance management standards in air cargo, monitors airline punctuality through freight and document availability (NFD) data. According to its July survey, performance among 22 major airlines varied widely, ranging from 57% to 94%.

Reliability levels below 80% are problematic, as a good on-time performance is generally considered to be above 90%. Declining punctuality has a direct impact on freight forwarders, leading to missed connections, delays, and additional costs such as storage fees. These disruptions also risk undermining the trust and reliability that are critical to forwarders’ customer relationships.

The July performance dip has been linked to several systemic issues within the air cargo ecosystem, including congested airports, labour shortages in ground handling, outdated infrastructure, and external factors such as weather, air traffic control delays, and geopolitical events. There is concern that without investment in modernising cargo facilities, tackling congestion, and advancing digital connectivity, observers warn that on-time performance levels may continue to slide.