MESA air cargo tonnage climbs 9%

Air cargo tonnage from the Middle East and South Asia (MESA) rose 9% year on year in September, as global volumes grew 9%, according to WorldACD Market Data. The growth came despite ongoing disruption to air cargo capacity across the Gulf.

The region recorded the highest year-on-year increase in average full-market air cargo rates, at 52% in September. Global rates rose 25% over the same period, reflecting tight capacity and higher operating costs.

However, capacity to and from the Gulf remained around 17% below its level in late February, before the US-Iran conflict began. Capacity across the wider MESA region was down around 10%, although global air cargo capacity increased 4% year on year by the end of September.

The wider market recorded a 6% year-on-year rise in air cargo tonnage during the third quarter, while average full-market rates increased 24%.

The September figures point to continued demand for air freight linked to the Middle East and South Asia. Higher rates and reduced Gulf capacity also underline the importance of available freight space and reliable routing for businesses moving goods through the region.