The global surge in freight volumes slowed in September but was still up 6.8 per cent year-on-year, Airports Council International (ACI) says.

The association says though the growth was down from 10.5 per cent in August, it says most regions posted robust freight volume figures.

Africa led the way, growing 16.2 per cent followed by Asia Pacific at 9.4 per cent.

Europe was the third strongest region, with growth of eight per cent, followed by the Middle East at 7.3 per cent.

The Americas also grew, with North America up 2.9 per cent and Latin America-Caribbean by 1.6 per cent.

All regions grew on a year-to-date basis, with the whole world up 8.4 per cent, and Africa leading the way at 14.3 per cent.

Asia Pacific saw the second highest level of growth, up 9.8 per cent, followed by Europe at 9.5 per cent, Middle East by 7.7 per cent, North America by 6.5 per cent, and Latin America-Caribbean by 4.6 per cent.