Türkiye has announced a major expansion plan for its rail freight network, aiming to significantly increase capacity and connectivity by 2053. Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said the total rail network is expected to reach 28,590 kilometers by mid-century, with 17,287 kilometers planned by 2028. The country is also expanding logistics infrastructure, including branch lines and freight corridors. The plan focuses on strengthening cargo movement across the country by im

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) has strengthened logistics and supply chain connections with China through engagements in Suzhou and Shenzhen, focusing on industrial movement, cross-border trade flow and manufacturing-linked supply chains. The cooperation includes work with Chinese industrial zones and companies in sectors such as energy equipment, smart manufacturing and construction supply chains. The focus is on improving how goods, components and materials move betwe

Global air cargo volumes continued to grow in the first half of 2026, with the Middle East and South Asia region recording some of the strongest performance, according to WorldACD Market Data. Worldwide tonnages in June were 9% higher year on year and stable compared to May. Second-quarter volumes were 6% higher year on year and also 6% above Q1 levels. Overall H1 chargeable weight rose 5% year on year. The Middle East and South Asia region posted an 11% year-on-year increase

Dubai Customs and Emirates SkyCargo have introduced an integrated logistics bridge to maintain the movement of goods through Dubai International Airport Cargo Village and Al Maktoum International Airport Air Cargo Centre amid regional supply chain disruptions. The system has increased cargo handling capacity, sped up customs clearance and supported the transport of essential goods across the UAE and GCC. The initiative has helped businesses avoid delays by keeping food, medic

The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and the Kingdom of Belgium is set to explore stronger cooperation in trade, logistics, and supply chain operations between the two markets. The focus is on improving business flows, expanding distribution networks, and supporting cross-border commercial activity. The engagement is aimed at strengthening links between Sharjah-based companies and Belgian firms, particularly in areas such as logistics services, re-export operat

Maalexi and RXIL Global IFSC Limited have signed a strategic alliance to improve trade finance access for agricultural exporters, with a focus on cross-border food logistics and SME participation in India’s agri trade. The partnership will link Maalexi’s trade execution system, including its warehouses and supply chain network across the GCC, Europe and India, with RXIL Global’s regulated trade financing platform. The aim is to support financing for eligible agricultural tran

The Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) and logistics company Agility have signed a deal to develop a logistics hub and regional distribution centres in Egypt, with investments of up to US$ 35 million. The project will cover about 53,000 square metres and is expected to create around 400 direct jobs. The hub will include facilities for storage, assembly, re-export, and redistribution of goods. It is designed to improve cargo movement through Egypt, which sits on a key global tr

Emirates has launched a third daily flight between Dubai and Nairobi, increasing cargo capacity on the route by 280 tonnes per week. The new service, which began on 1 July, raises the airline's operations between the two cities to 21 weekly flights and provides additional capacity for freight, particularly Kenya's fresh flowers and produce exports. The added cargo space is expected to strengthen trade between the UAE and Kenya by enabling exporters to move more time-sensitive

dnata has secured a renewed cargo ground handling licence at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol after a competitive tender. The agreement allows the company to continue handling air cargo operations at the airport for the next seven years, strengthening its role in one of Europe’s busiest freight hubs. The renewal ensures continuity for cargo airlines using Schiphol, where dnata manages large volumes of import and export freight. This is important for supply chains that depend on fas

DP World has launched Egypt’s first fully integrated Logistics Distribution Centre (LDC) at Sokhna Logistics Park, creating a single hub for warehousing, customs, freight forwarding and distribution. Located next to Sokhna Port in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, the facility will allow companies to store goods in Egypt and serve customers across the Middle East, Africa and Europe from one location, helping reduce delivery times and improve supply chain efficiency. The centre co

RSA Global has launched RSA Logistics as a separate brand to represent its logistics division, while keeping it within the wider group. The move gives the unit its own identity in the market but does not change operations, customer contracts or services. The company said the step reflects the growth of its logistics business across the UAE and India. RSA Logistics has been operating for more than 17 years and now manages around 25 facilities with about 595,000 square metres o

SolitAir has started cargo flights from Dubai to Sofia in Bulgaria, marking its first route into Europe and its first connection to the European Union market. The service links Dubai World Central with Sofia Airport and expands the airline’s network beyond the Middle East, Africa and Asia into Europe for the first time. The route was made possible after SolitAir received ACC3 security approval, which allows it to carry cargo into the EU. The airline said this gives it access

LODD Autonomous has started the certification process for its Hili hybrid cargo aircraft with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The step moves the aircraft from testing to formal approval checks needed before it can enter commercial service. The program will review safety, design, flight tests and operational systems under regulator supervision. The Hili is a hybrid electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft designed to carry up to 250 kg over distances of

Turkish Cargo has renewed its IATA CEIV Pharma, CEIV Fresh and CEIV Live Animals certifications after successfully completing an International Air Transport Association (IATA) assessment. The certifications will remain valid until 2029, confirming the airline meets global standards for transporting pharmaceuticals, perishable goods and live animals. The renewal supports customers that move temperature-sensitive and high-value cargo by ensuring internationally recognised handl

Emirates has become the first airline cargo carrier to put a Boeing 777-300ERSF passenger-to-freighter converted aircraft into commercial service, adding more cargo capacity as demand for air freight, particularly e-commerce shipments, continues to grow. The aircraft entered service on a Hong Kong–Dubai flight carrying more than 100 tonnes of cargo. The Boeing 777-300ERSF can carry up to 100 tonnes of cargo and offers 811 cubic metres of cargo space. It provides about 25% mor

DP World and Lintara Properties have begun construction on a 20,000 sq m logistics centre in Jebel Ali Free Zone. The project is planned for completion in Q1 2027. The facility will add new storage capacity with temperature-controlled areas and space for dangerous goods. Isa Al Khalifa, Managing Director of Lintara Properties, said the project reflects growing demand for modern logistics facilities in Jafza and supports long-term distribution needs for businesses operating in

UAE–Panama trade reached $186 million in 2025, up nearly 50%, as both countries look to expand logistics, supply chain and investment flows between their markets. The focus is on improving cargo movement, trade connectivity and access to key global shipping routes through closer economic cooperation. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, UAE, said, accelerating investment in critical infrastructure, including ports, airports, transport networks and logist

France’s CMA CGM and Oman’s Asyad Group will develop a $400 million logistics terminal at Sohar Port to improve cargo movement and strengthen regional trade links across the Gulf. The project will focus on improving the flow of goods between sea and land transport systems. The terminal will support better connectivity between ports and inland routes, helping freight move more smoothly across key regional corridors. It is designed to improve how cargo is handled and transferre

Kuwait and Egypt are strengthening food logistics and supply chain cooperation as Egyptian food exports reached a record US$6.33 billion in 2025. The focus is on improving movement of food products, expanding trade routes and supporting more stable supply flows between the two markets. The development comes as global supply chains continue to face disruptions, pushing both countries to look for more reliable and closer trade connections in food transport and distribution. The

Middle East airlines continued to align their cargo operations with changing trade patterns in May, as global air cargo demand increased 6% year on year, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The latest figures show airlines are continuing to adapt their networks to shifting freight demand and supply chain requirements despite ongoing regional challenges. Global cargo demand grew faster than capacity, which increased by 1.9% during the month. This i