Middle East air cargo demand up 1.7%

Global air cargo demand rose 3.9% year-on-year in July 2026, with Middle Eastern carriers recording a 1.7% increase in demand. Capacity in the region grew 4%, while global capacity rose 1.7%, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). North America recorded the strongest demand growth at 4.8%, followed by Europe at 4.4% and Asia-Pacific at 4.1%.

The Middle East’s continued capacity growth provides more room for carriers to support trade flows and maintain connections between major markets, despite disruption on some regional routes. The region accounted for 13.2% of global air cargo traffic in 2025.

Global trade also increased 7.5% year-on-year in July, supporting demand for air freight. Asia-North America was the strongest major trade lane, growing 9.2%, while Europe-Asia increased 3.1%.

However, Gulf-linked routes remained under pressure. Europe-Middle East traffic fell 16.1%, while Middle East-Asia declined 14.1%.

The overall figures point to continued air cargo growth, although higher fuel costs, geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainty remain challenges for airlines and freight operators.