MENAT air freight rates jump 57% outbound, 72% inbound

Air freight rates across the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye (MENAT) rose sharply in the second quarter of 2026, with outbound rates increasing 57% and inbound rates climbing 72% year on year, according to Aramex’s August Air Freight Market Monitor.

Amadou Diallo, group chief executive officer at Aramex, said: “The period also reinforced the increasingly strategic role of logistics in supporting business continuity and enabling economic growth.”

The increase came as available capacity remained limited and fuel costs stayed high. Inbound rates from Europe to MENAT rose 96%, while rates from South Asia increased 94%.

Higher freight costs are putting pressure on businesses moving goods across borders.

Limited capacity and changing routes are also making it more important for shippers and freight forwarders to plan shipments early and consider alternative transport options.

Both inbound and outbound air freight capacity in MENAT fell 22% year on year in the second quarter. However, demand remained strong on Asia-linked routes. Outbound demand to South-East Asia grew 41%, while inbound demand from the region increased 21%.

Air freight markets are expected to remain under pressure during the second half of 2026, as geopolitical uncertainty, capacity constraints and peak-season demand continue to affect available space and prices.