Gulf air cargo buoyant with 4.2% year-end boost

Middle Eastern airlines closed 2025 with steady air cargo performance, supported by stronger activity toward the end of the year and continued growth on key trade lanes. According to IATA data, cargo demand in the region rose 0.3% for the full year, while capacity expanded by 4.5%, reflecting airlines’ long-term confidence in the Middle East’s role as a global logistics hub.

Momentum improved in the final month of the year. In December 2025, cargo demand increased 4.2% year-on-year, even as capacity jumped 10.6%. While the added capacity put some pressure on load factors, it also highlights how regional carriers are positioning themselves for future growth rather than short-term gains.

The Middle East continued to benefit from shifting global trade flows. The Middle East–Asia corridor grew by 5.8% in 2025, supported by strong e-commerce demand and rising intra-Asia trade. As traffic between Asia and North America slowed, Gulf hubs increasingly played a key role in connecting Asia with Europe, Africa and other emerging markets.

With a 13.2% share of global air cargo traffic, Middle Eastern carriers remain central to global supply chains. While growth is expected to moderate in 2026, the region’s strong network connectivity and flexible capacity leave it well placed for the year ahead.