‘Middle East cargo reports 2.3% YoY surge in April’

IATA reported a 2.3 per cent year-on-year increase in air cargo demand for Middle Eastern carriers in April 2025. Capacity also rose by 5.5% compared to the same month last year, signaling continued growth in the region’s cargo market, said Willie Walsh, Director General, IATA. “Air cargo demand grew in April, building on March’s performance. Seasonal demand for fashion and consumer goods—front loading ahead of US tariff—and lower jet fuel prices have combined to boost air cargo. With available capacity being at record levels and yields improved, the outlook for air cargo is encouraging. While April brought good news, stresses in world trade are no secret. Shifts in trade policy, particularly in the US, are reshaping demand and export dynamics. Airlines will need to remain flexible as the situation develops over the coming months.”