Middle East air cargo volumes rise 10% in October: WorldACD data

Air cargo volumes from the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MESA) increased 10% year-on-year (YoY) in October 2026, despite continuing capacity constraints and geopolitical tensions in the Arabian Gulf, according to the latest figures from WorldACD Market Data.

The growth was largely supported by strong export demand from India, with the later timing of the Diwali holiday period this year contributing to higher volumes. Compared with September, MESA tonnages increased 3% in October, while average air cargo rates rose 2% month-on-month (MoM). However, average rates from the region were 60% higher than in October 2025, reflecting continued pressure on capacity and pricing.

Air cargo capacity to and from MESA increased 2% week-on-week in the final week of October, with South Asian capacity rising 4%. However, overall regional capacity remained almost 13% below pre-conflict levels, while capacity serving Arabian Gulf markets was down 18%.