Airfreight Carriers Implement Surcharges Amidst Middle East Unrest While Container Rates Show Mixed Trends

The global freight landscape is currently characterized by divergent trends, with airfreight carriers responding to geopolitical pressures through new surcharges, while container shipping rates exhibit mixed movements across key trade lanes. Effective April 27, 2026, Air Canada Cargo has implemented an Airfreight Carrier Surcharge. This measure is intended to partially offset the escalating fuel prices, increased airport and enroute fees, and currency-related cost fluctuations that have arisen from the ongoing unrest in the Middle East.

The new surcharge will be applied at different levels based on flight distances, categorized as Short, Medium, and Long-haul, aiming to proportionally distribute costs across Air Canada Cargo’s extensive global network. The carrier has indicated that this surcharge will undergo regular review and adjustment to reflect evolving market conditions. This specific response from an airfreight operator highlights the direct impact of regional conflicts on operational costs within the air cargo sector.

In contrast, the Drewry World Container Index (WCI) has shown a more varied picture in the maritime sector. For the second consecutive week, the WCI declined by 1% to $2,232 per 40ft container as of April 23, 2026. This decrease was primarily attributed to lower rates observed on the Asia–Europe trade route. Despite persistent Middle East tensions and higher fuel costs, the underlying factors of weak seasonal demand and an abundance of excess capacity are preventing carriers from sustaining rate increases on these routes. For instance, rates from Shanghai to Genoa saw an 8% drop to $3,071, and to Rotterdam, they decreased by 4% to $2,147.

However, not all maritime routes are experiencing a downturn. Transatlantic rates, for example, witnessed a significant increase of 15%, reaching $2,326 per 40ft container. This surge was driven by strategic capacity reductions implemented by carriers and the introduction of a $1,100 per 40ft container Peak Season Surcharge (PSS). Drewry anticipates that freight rates will maintain a relatively less volatile trajectory in the immediate coming week. Further expanding air cargo capabilities, National Airlines is preparing to launch its first Boeing 777 freighter into commercial service in May, signifying an expansion of its air cargo fleet. This move indicates ongoing investment and development within the air cargo industry, even as operational costs are being managed through surcharges.