Middle East air cargo capacity rises 5% in late July

Air cargo capacity to and from the Middle East and South Asia (MESA) increased 5% week on week in the final week of July, according to WorldACD Market Data. Gulf capacity also improved during the week, as conditions in the region eased.

The rise comes as global air cargo capacity grew 1% week on week. Asia Pacific capacity also increased 2% following weather-related disruption in parts of the region.

For the Middle East, the increase in capacity supports cargo movement across key regional and international trade routes. It also gives airlines and cargo operators more capacity to handle shipments as demand continues across different sectors.

Global air cargo volumes remained on a growth path in July. Worldwide chargeable weight increased 5% year on year, although growth was slower than the 9% recorded in June. Total July volumes were also 2% higher than in June.

Spot rates across the global market averaged US$3.41 per kg in July, down 8% from June but 29% higher than July 2025.

The increase in MESA capacity adds to the wider recovery in global air cargo capacity and helps strengthen connections between the Middle East, Asia Pacific and other major markets.