ME air cargo rises 13% WoW: WorldACD data

Air cargo volumes from the Middle East and South Asia rose 13% week on week in the latest WorldACD data, after a holiday slowdown. Capacity increased 8% and flight activity climbed 11%. Exports from the region to Europe were up 13%, led by a 19% rise from Dubai and stronger flows from India. Doha also saw its highest capacity level in five weeks, showing more aircraft returning to the network.

The recovery helps restore smoother movement of goods across key trade routes linking Asia, Europe and Africa. More available capacity means shippers can find space more easily after recent holiday disruptions. It also helps reduce delays for time-sensitive cargo such as e-commerce shipments and manufacturing inputs. With more flights operating, airlines are better able to balance demand across routes, especially through Gulf hubs. However, capacity in parts of the region remains below earlier levels, so the recovery is still uneven.

The data also shows that while some Asia-to-Europe routes weakened, Middle East-Europe flows improved, highlighting a shift in demand back through Gulf transit points. This suggests airlines are repositioning capacity to match stronger outbound demand from the region. If sustained, it could support more stable schedules and improve reliability for freight forwarders in the coming weeks.