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AI Infrastructure Boom Creates Unexpected Helium Shortage Risk for Air Cargo

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure is creating a critical supply chain vulnerability centered on helium availability. Data-centre components now represent approximately 1.4 million tonnes of annual air cargo volume, or roughly 5% of the global market, following 39% year-on-year growth. Middle East disruptions have removed significant helium supplies from global markets, threatening the semiconductor sector and creating volatility for high-value air cargo flows. Helium plays a crucial role in cooling data centres and chip manufacturing processes. Cargolux chief executive Richard Forson cautioned that helium shortages pose greater risks than jet fuel constraints. Transportation of server racks has emerged as one of the fastest-growing cargo categories, driven by data-centre buildouts supporting AI development. South Korean chipmaker SK Hynix reported surging demand for high-performance memory amid constrained supply, underscoring sector-wide capacity pressures.