MESA air cargo volumes drop 8% amid global rate increase

Cargo volumes from MESA recorded a notable week-on-week decline of 8 per cent in week 40 (29 Sep–5 Oct), even as global markets saw a rebound following disruptions in Asia due to super-typhoon Ragasa, as per WorldACD Market Data. The drop was driven by India, where tonnages fell 13 per cent to Europe and 17 per cent to the US, impacted by a series of national and regional holidays, including a public holiday on 2 October. Other Middle East and South Asia markets saw softer activity, contrasting with the surge from Asia-Pacific origins recovering from weather-related flight disruptions and pre–Golden Week slowdowns. Globally, chargeable weight dipped 2 per cent week-on-week due to lower volumes from MESA, Europe, and North America, while average rates rose 3 per cent to US$ 2.51 per kg. Despite short-term volatility, overall tonnages remain 3 per cent higher year-on-year, with APAC region leading growth.