Cargo volumes up 4.6% year-on-year in Sept: IATA

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, marking seven months in a row of growth. Available cargo capacity increased 5.5 per cent, and the regional load factor averaged 45.4 per cent. This shows that Middle Eastern airlines continue to handle growing cargo volumes even as other markets slow down. IATA noted that more belly-hold cargo space from rising passenger flights is helping regional carriers. Belly-hold freight made up 55.5 per cent of total international cargo capacity in September, giving airlines more flexibility to meet demand. With busy hubs, such as Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh, the Middle East remains a vital link connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa, keeping global goods moving efficiently across key trade lanes.