ME air cargo rose 7.4% YoY in November: IATA

IATA found that November 2025 was a strong month for air cargo in the Middle East. The region recorded a 7.4 per cent year-on-year rise in cargo demand, underlining its growing role in global trade and logistics.

Middle Eastern airlines also expanded capacity during the month, with available cargo space increasing by 11 per cent compared to the same period last year. This growth shows airlines’ confidence in long-term demand and their efforts to strengthen regional and intercontinental connectivity.

IATA noted that Middle East carriers benefited from steady trade flows and their strategic position linking Asia, Europe, and Africa. Cargo volumes on the Middle East–Asia trade lane grew by 11.1 per cent, marking nine straight months of growth. Traffic between the Middle East and Europe also increased by 5.4 per cent, supported by continued demand for fast and reliable transport.

According to IATA, growth in the Middle East helped balance softer performance in other regions. Strong hub operations, efficient infrastructure, and flexible routing supported the region’s resilience during the year-end period. Overall, November’s performance reflects the Middle East’s steady progress through 2025 and its continued importance in the global air cargo market.