Cargo demand up 5.7%, while capacity grows 10%: IATA

The Middle East’s air cargo market kept its momentum in October, posting steady growth while some other regions slowed. New IATA figures show that cargo demand in the region rose 5.7 per cent compared to last year. Airlines also added more space for shipments, with capacity up 10 per cent, signalling strong activity through major Middle Eastern hubs.

Most of the strength came from the Middle East–Asia trade lane, which recorded an 11.5 per cent increase. This route has recorded growth for eight straight months. Forwarders say more shipments are moving through Gulf hubs as companies look for reliable links between Asian manufacturing centres and markets in Europe and Africa.

The Middle East–Europe route was flat but still slightly positive at 0.1 per cent, showing that cargo flows between the two regions remain steady despite tariff concerns and higher operating costs.

While some global routes, such as Asia–North America, continued to slow, the Middle East benefited from strong demand in Asia and rising industrial output in several regions. The numbers also reflect the region’s role as a key connector for cross-continent trade. The Middle East now accounts for 13.6 per cent of global air cargo, underlining how important the region has become for global supply chains.