Dubai air cargo exports to Europe rise 12%

Dubai’s air cargo volumes to Europe increased 12% week on week in the week ending August 16, according to the latest WorldACD data. The rise came as overall air cargo traffic from the Middle East and South Asia (MESA) to Europe fell 3%.

The growth from Dubai helped offset declines from other major MESA origins, including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India. Across the region, capacity also increased 2% week on week, while capacity fell in several other major origin regions.

The increase gives Dubai a stronger position in the Europe-Middle East air cargo trade lane, particularly as global air cargo volumes declined 5% during the week. Additional capacity can give airlines and shippers more options to move time-sensitive cargo between the two regions.

MESA’s air cargo performance was mixed across other markets. Cargo volumes from the region to the US fell 13% week on week. However, on a year-on-year basis, MESA exports to the US were 16% higher.

Air cargo pricing from MESA also remained significantly higher than a year earlier. Rates from the region to Europe were up 54% year on year, while rates to the US rose 56%.

The data highlights Dubai’s continued role as an important air cargo gateway linking Middle East trade with European markets.