Air cargo volumes to grow 3.3% annually through 2028

The Middle East is set to see steady growth in air cargo over the next few years, with volumes expected to rise at a 3.3% annual rate through 2028, according to a report by Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East (ACI APAC & MID).

Director General of ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Stefano Baronci, said: “The resurgence of cargo, particularly significant in the first 10 months of the year in Asia-Pacific, powered by e-commerce and manufacturing shifts, highlights the region’s underlying economic resilience. Despite geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties, over the next three years we expect Asia-Pacific to continue to play the lion’s share in terms of cargo growth. To prepare for this, over the next 10 years, airports in both Asia-Pacific and Middle East will invest extensively to add 71 million tonnes of additional cargo capacity. This growth trajectory requires supportive policies and coordinated planning across the cargo supply chain.”

The region’s position between Europe, Asia, and Africa continues to make it a key hub for global trade. Gulf airports are expanding cargo terminals, upgrading technology, and boosting cool-chain capacity to handle higher volumes more efficiently. Demand is being driven by surging online retail and cross-border e-commerce, especially shipments from Asia.

Operators are turning to AI-based cargo management, automated handling, and digital booking systems to cope with rising parcel volumes and improve efficiency. These developments are expected to help the Middle East maintain its competitive edge in air freight.

Still, experts warn that geopolitical tensions, trade uncertainties, and airspace restrictions could affect cargo flows in the region. Despite these risks, the Middle East is likely to remain a central player in global air cargo, with continued investment and infrastructure growth supporting the sector’s upward trend through 2028.