China Eastern Airlines has launched a new all-cargo route connecting Shanghai, Riyadh, and Budapest, marking its first fifth-freedom cargo service in the Middle East. Operating three times a week, the route creates a direct logistics corridor between China, the Middle East, and Europe, enhancing trade flows along the growing “Air Silk Road.” The Shanghai–Riyadh–Budapest service is designed to support the movement of goods across key markets, providing a faster and more effici

Emirates Courier Express has launched operations in Germany, marking a significant step in its European expansion. Headquartered in Frankfurt, the service aims to connect the country’s manufacturing hubs with international suppliers and partners, offering faster and more direct delivery options for both B2B and B2C customers. The service provides 21 weekly flights in each direction between Dubai and Frankfurt, offering morning, afternoon, and evening departures. Dennis Lister

Etihad Cargo is expanding its reach in Southeast Asia with the launch of a new freighter service from Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The twice-weekly flights from Techo International Airport will begin this winter, operated in partnership with Teleport, a regional logistics specialist. The Airbus A321F service adds 50 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity, offering exporters in Cambodia greater access to global markets through Abu Dhabi. The agreement was signed today at the Air Cargo South

The Middle East is emerging as one of the world’s most dynamic air cargo regions, with strong trade growth linking Gulf economies to Asia’s manufacturing powerhouses. From January to July 2025, demand for air freight between Asia and the Middle East rose 27%, while capacity expanded by 11%.

Middle Eastern carriers currently operate around 20,000 tonnes of freighter capacity and have a further 20,000 tonnes on order, taking the total close to 40,000 tonnes, almost equal to the combined future capacity of all other regions. By comparison, carriers in other Asia-Pacific regions hold roughly 15,000 tonnes in service and about 10,000 tonnes on order. Europe and North America each fall below 15,000 tonnes, while China, Africa, and Latin America remain well behind, sho

Zayed International Airport (AUH) announced a major step forward in strengthening its position as a global logistics hub with the development of the East Midfield Cargo Terminal (EMCT), said Jubran Albreiki, CEO, Velora, addressing the TIACA Air Cargo Forum 2025. The state-of-the-art facility, spanning 90,000 sqm, will be capable of handling up to 1.5 million tonnes of cargo annually when it opens by the end of 2027. “With the EMCT, we are shaping the future of logistics and

In partnership with LODD Autonomous, Etihad Cargo is taking a bold step toward the future of logistics by testing a new generation of hybrid VTOL aircraft that could reshape how goods move across the UAE. Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer, Etihad Airways, said, “We are constantly looking for ways to enhance connectivity within the UAE. This collaboration opens new possibilities for smarter, faster, and greener air cargo.” The airline will explore using the ‘Hili’ hybrid air

Capital A Berhad, the parent company of AirAsia, is looking at Bahrain as a potential hub for aviation, cargo, and logistics operations in the Middle East. The group has signed a Letter of Intent with Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications to explore establishing a base that could link Southeast Asia with Europe, Africa, and the United States. Plans under consideration include developing cargo services, maintenance operations, and regional connectivity to

Air cargo traffic between the Middle East and Asia stayed strong in September 2025, rising 4.6 per cent year-on-year, supported by steady exports and transshipment through major Gulf hubs, according to the latest data from IATA. The Europe–Asia route, which depends heavily on connections through Middle Eastern airports, also grew by 12.4 per cent, showing the region’s key role in global trade. Air cargo demand in the Middle East rose 0.6 per cent compared to last year, markin

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s SAL Logistics Services has taken its first step into the international arena through a new partnership with Hong Kong-based TAM Group, aimed at strengthening air cargo links between the Kingdom and China.SAL CEO Omar Hariri said the partnership opens the door for Chinese companies to use Saudi Arabia as a gateway to global markets, powered by SAL’s integrated logistics capabilities. TAM Group’s Senior Vice President Alvin Tam added that the coop

CargoTalk is proud to be a media partner for TIACA’s Air Cargo Forum 2025, which kicks off on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, bringing together the global air cargo community under one roof. The event is set to host airlines, logistics players, tech innovators, and policymakers from around the world. The forum will explore the trends reshaping the industry, from digital transformation and sustainability to workforce challenges and e-commerce growth. This year’s programme dives into the

Jazan is positioning itself as a key trade and logistics hub on the Red Sea, connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe through its strategic location and expanding infrastructure. Ports, industrial zones, and free economic areas are enhancing supply chain efficiency and trade connectivity, making the region increasingly attractive for international investors. China is a central focus for Jazan’s investment strategy, with the region’s logistics and industrial sectors drawing growing

DP World is set to inject another US$ 5 billion into India to expand its integrated supply chain network, aimed at boosting domestic and international trade. This latest commitment builds on the US$ 3 billion the company has already invested over the past 30 years, underscoring its enduring presence and influence in India’s logistics sector. His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, said the initiatives aim to lower logistics costs, expand a

Fast Logistics has launched a dedicated weekly air cargo service from Sharjah (SHJ) to East Africa, with flights every Saturday connecting Hargeisa (HGA) and Mogadishu (MGQ). The new service, operated by a Boeing 767 freighter, features early morning departures from Sharjah to support faster delivery and smoother transit times. With direct routes, it aims to provide steady and dependable connections for shippers managing urgent or high-value consignments. Along with local car

Emirates SkyCargo is adding a weekly freighter to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, strengthening its presence in East and Southeast Asia. With one of the largest networks of any non-Asian airline, the new service gives businesses in the region more ways to move goods around the world through Dubai. Badr Abbas, Emirates SkyCargo’s Divisional Senior Vice President said, “Markets such as Thailand and Vietnam are the new heartbeat of global trade, with established and modern manuf

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has entered a strategic cargo partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air to expand its global freight operations and strengthen connectivity across major trade routes. Effective from 29 October, the strategic cargo partnership agreement will enhance PIA’s cargo capacity and streamline distribution through Riyadh’s growing logistics network. Under the collaboration, cargo from Pakistan and London will be routed to Riyadh for onward transpo

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and DP World signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance cooperation in trade and logistics integration. The partnership aims to enhance supply chain connectivity, streamline cargo flows, and strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading global logistics hub.  Through the MoU, both entities will collaborate on developing smart, digital platforms to improve coordination between transport and logistics services. This will help op

AJEX Logistics Services inaugurated Saudi Arabia’s first GMP-GxP certified logistics facility, marking a major milestone in the Kingdom’s healthcare and life sciences supply chain. Located in Riyadh, the purpose-built 3,000 square metre depot offers temperature-controlled storage and distribution, supporting the growing demand for compliant handling of pharmaceuticals and biologics. The facility features multiple temperature zones, including a 2°C to 8°C chamber for refrigera

The Middle East’s air cargo market maintained positive growth in September 2025, despite a sharp slowdown amid regional disruptions. According to the latest IATA data, carriers in the Middle East recorded a 0.6 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase in total cargo demand, down from 2.6 per cent in August. International demand growth also eased to 0.7 per cent YoY, reflecting the impact of airspace restrictions and elevated EASE warnings affecting operations across the region. W

DP World’s Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (Jafza) and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) have signed a landmark agreement to establish a dual-zone framework, linking Dubai’s trade and industrial ecosystem with its advanced financial and corporate structuring platform. His Excellency Arif Amiri, CEO, DIFC Authority, emphasised that the framework empowers enterprises to seamlessly anchor both strategic and financial functions in Dubai. His Excellency Abdulla Bin Damitha