Emirates SkyCargo handles 1m pharma shipments in 10 years

Emirates SkyCargo has marked 10 years of its pharmaceutical cargo service, saying it now moves 1.5 million to 2 million kilograms of medicines and other pharma products each week through its network. The milestone comes as demand grows for reliable transport of temperature-sensitive healthcare products.

The carrier launched its dedicated pharma service in 2016, alongside GDP-certified handling facilities in Dubai. Since then, it has moved more than one million pharma shipments, equal to over 800,000 tonnes.

The Dubai hub now has more than 16,500 square metres of certified pharma handling and storage space across DXB and DWC. It also uses more than 55 temperature-controlled cool dollies to protect cargo during transfers between aircraft and terminals.

For pharmaceutical companies, such infrastructure can help reduce the risk of medicines being exposed to unsuitable temperatures during transit. This is especially important for products that require strict temperature control.

Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo, said the service had developed through investment and cooperation across the cold-chain sector.

“Our investment in our processes, our capabilities, our people and our infrastructure” has helped develop the service, he said.

Emirates SkyCargo’s pharma network reached 43 stations worldwide in 2025, connecting major production markets with healthcare providers.