Gulf air cargo surges 9.3% in January 2026

Air cargo demand in the Middle East grew strongly at the start of 2026, rising 9.3% year-on-year in January, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Capacity also increased nearly 10% over the same period, the highest rise among all global regions, reflecting the region’s expanding role in global trade and logistics.

The growth comes amid broader regional and global uncertainties, including trade policy changes and ongoing hostilities in parts of the Middle East, which are testing supply chain resilience. Despite this, Middle Eastern carriers have managed to strengthen their presence on major trade lanes, supporting exports and imports across Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Other regions showed mixed performance. Asia-Pacific demand rose 7.8%, Europe 6.9%, while the Americas saw slight declines. African airlines recorded the highest global growth at 18.2%, highlighting a diverse recovery in air cargo markets.

IATA notes that factors such as lower jet fuel prices, improving global manufacturing sentiment, and rising goods trade supported air cargo volumes. Industry experts say Middle Eastern carriers’ strong start to 2026 positions the region as a key hub for international air freight, with digitalisation and operational efficiency likely to drive further growth in the coming months.