Middle East Air Cargo holds firm as global volumes drop 3%

Global cargo volumes decreased by 3 per cent week-on-week in mid-October, but the Middle East and South Asia region remained resilient, as per a report by WorldACD Market. While Asia-Pacific origins recorded 9 per cent weekly drop in tonnages owing to China’s Golden week, along with holidays in Taiwan (-10%) and South Korea (-46%), Middle East outbound flows remained stable due to sustained demand for general cargo, perishables and e-commerce. Despite softer transit volumes through regional hubs in Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh, capacity utilisation remained strong, noted industry experts. Persistent exports to Europe and Africa, alongside transshipment activity, helped offset the temporary slowdown in Asian markets. While spot rates from China to the US dropped 7 per cent WoW to US$ 4.07 per kg, rates on Middle East trade lanes remained steady, reflecting a balanced market. With November’s pre-holiday peak season approaching, the Middle East is likely to capture more cargo traffic as global carriers adjust routes and capacity toward the region’s expanding trade corridors.