MESA air cargo volumes rise 4% in latest week

Air cargo volumes from the Middle East & South Asia (MESA) rose 4% week on week in the week to August 23, taking volumes 7% above the same period last year, according to WorldACD Market Data. MESA-Europe traffic increased 3%, with volumes from Dubai up 6%.

The increase shows continued demand for air freight from the region and supports trade flows between the Middle East, Europe and South Asia. Stronger cargo movement can also help carriers and forwarders plan capacity around key regional trade lanes.

India led the rise in MESA-Europe traffic, with volumes increasing 5% week on week, while Bangladesh and Dubai each recorded 6% growth. MESA-to-US volumes, however, fell 1% during the week, mainly due to a 15% decline from Dubai.

Global air cargo volumes increased 2% week on week, while Asia Pacific volumes rose 7%. Worldwide air cargo rates remained at US$2.98 per kg, 22% higher year on year. MESA air cargo capacity increased 1% week on week. However, capacity from the Gulf remained 17% below its week-7 level, indicating that available capacity is still below earlier levels despite the recovery in regional cargo demand.