Airports to spend US$183bn to boost cargo, logistics capacity, logistics capacity

Airports across the Middle East and Africa are set to invest more than US$183 billion in expansion projects, with a strong focus on air cargo capacity, logistics infrastructure and smart supply chains. Major hubs in Saudi Arabia and the UAE are leading the push to handle rising cargo volumes linked to global trade, e-commerce and regional manufacturing growth.

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman International Airport in Riyadh is being developed to handle 3.5 million tonnes of cargo annually, positioning the kingdom as a major global air freight hub. In the UAE, the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport is expected to significantly increase cargo handling capacity alongside passenger growth, supported by advanced logistics zones and direct connectivity to sea and land transport.

Across the region, airports are investing in dedicated cargo terminals, digital tracking systems, automation, AI and IoT tools to speed up cargo movement and improve efficiency. Sustainability is also a key focus, with energy-efficient facilities and electric ground handling equipment being introduced to support greener logistics operations.

In Africa, several new airports are being developed with a clear cargo focus. Angola’s Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport is planned as a major air cargo hub, while expansions in Ethiopia, Morocco and Kenya aim to strengthen trade links between Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe.