Middle East air freight edges up despite slowdown

The Middle East’s air cargo market maintained positive growth in September 2025, despite a sharp slowdown amid regional disruptions. According to the latest IATA data, carriers in the Middle East recorded a 0.6 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase in total cargo demand, down from 2.6 per cent in August. International demand growth also eased to 0.7 per cent YoY, reflecting the impact of airspace restrictions and elevated EASE warnings affecting operations across the region.

While cargo capacity in the Middle East expanded by 5.5 per cent YoY, the Cargo Load Factor (CLF) fell by 2.2 percentage points to 45.4 per cent, highlighting weaker utilisation despite additional capacity. Year-to-date, the region’s demand remained slightly negative at -1.7 per cent, as carriers continue to navigate volatile market conditions and shifting trade routes.

Trade between the Middle East and Asia, one of the region’s key freight corridors, grew by 4.6 per cent YoY, supported by strong demand from Asian manufacturing hubs. However, Europe–Middle East routes declined 4.6 per cent YoY, reflecting geopolitical tensions and reduced flight operations.

Despite the slowdown, the Middle East remains a crucial link in global air cargo, connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa through its strategic hubs in Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh.