Why the world’s cargo flies through the Middle East

With prime location, top-tier infrastructure, and booming e-commerce, the Middle East is fast becoming the world's preferred air cargo hub, connecting continents with speed and efficiency.

The Middle East has emerged as a pivotal global logistics and air cargo powerhouse, strategically positioning itself at the crossroads of international trade routes connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa. This unique geographical advantage, coupled with visionary infrastructure investments and progressive economic policies, has transformed the region into a critical nexus for global air freight operations. Within an eight-hour flight radius from the Gulf, carriers can reach approximately 70% of the world's population, creating an unparalleled connectivity advantage that few regions can match.

The evolution of the Middle East as a premier air cargo hub is rooted in a complex interplay of strategic geographical location, substantial infrastructure investments, and forward-thinking economic policies. Countries like the United Arab Emirates (UAE), particularly Dubai, and Qatar have been at the forefront of this transformative journey, developing world-class aviation infrastructure that has consistently attracted global logistics and transportation companies. Saudi Arabia has also recently accelerated its aviation ambitions with its Vision 2030 programme, aiming to position the Kingdom as another significant player in the regional air cargo landscape.

This geographical centrality has been deliberately leveraged through strategic aviation partnerships and route development. The ability to connect distant markets with minimal transit times has given the region a competitive edge that continues to attract global shipping and logistics operations seeking efficiency and speed in their supply chains.

World-class infrastructure development
Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Qatar's Hamad International Airport have become emblematic of the region's air cargo ambitions. These airports have not merely been passive infrastructure elements but active engines of economic growth. Dubai World Central (Al Maktoum International Airport or DWC), with its ambitious design to handle up to 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo annually, symbolises the region's long-term vision in air logistics.

“Dubai has emerged as a leading global logistics hub, thanks to its world-class infrastructure and unmatched connectivity, enabling reliable multi-modal and timely deliveries. At dnata, we are proud to contribute to this success by delivering safe, high-quality and innovative cargo services at both Dubai International and Dubai World Central airports,” says Guillaume Crozier, Chief Cargo Officer, dnata, a leading Dubai-based global air and travel services provider specialising in ground handling, cargo, travel, catering, and retail services.

The infrastructure extends beyond airports to include specialised cargo villages, free trade zones, and integrated multimodal transportation hubs. Abu Dhabi's Khalifa Port and Industrial Zone (KPIZ) exemplifies this integrated approach, linking sea freight with air cargo operations to create seamless logistics corridors.

“Abu Dhabi’s geographic location places it at the nexus of Asia, Europe, and Africa. Etihad Cargo has built a resilient and agile air cargo network that connects global trade with speed and efficiency.”
Stanislas Brun, Etihad Cargo

Similarly, Oman's development of the Muscat Airport City and adjacent free zones demonstrates how regional players are creating comprehensive logistics ecosystems rather than isolated transportation nodes.

These airports handled a substantial amount of cargo in 2024. Hamad International Airport processed a total of 2.6 million tonnes, marking a 12% increase compared to the previous year. Dubai International Airport handled 2.2 million tonnes, reflecting a sharp 20.5% rise from the 1.8 million tonnes recorded in 2023. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi Airports saw significant growth in cargo traffic, handling 678,990 tonnes in 2024, up 21% from 560,434 tonnes the previous year.

Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh handled 573,000 tonnes of cargo in 2024, while King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah handled 461,000 tonnes, and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam handled 140,000 tonnes.

The national carrier of the UAE, Etihad Airways’ cargo division, Etihad Cargo’s Vice President Cargo, Stanislas Brun, says “Abu Dhabi’s geographic location places it at the nexus of Asia, Europe, and Africa. Etihad Cargo has built a resilient and agile air cargo network that connects global trade with speed and efficiency. Currently, we operate over 588 widebody and narrowbody rotations monthly from the Indian subcontinent alone, linking it to more than 100 global destinations via Abu Dhabi​.

Etihad Cargo has also developed multimodal logistics corridors, linking sea freight arriving at Khalifa Port to air shipments departing from Abu Dhabi, which significantly reduces transit time for cargo moving from Asia to Europe and North America​.”

“The Middle East’s position as a natural bridge between East and West continues to be a major advantage. The region is expanding its hub airports, which serve as critical transit points for global trade,” says Hamdi Osman, Founder and CEO of SolitAir, the UAE’s only dedicated cargo airline offering express daily scheduled airport-to-airport services between Dubai and high-yield trade routes across the Global South.

“Significant investments in airport infrastructure across the Gulf region enhance the capacity and efficiency of air cargo operations. This is crucial for handling increased cargo volumes and improving service reliability,” he adds.

Economic diversification strategies
The economic landscape driving this growth is multifaceted. Diversification strategies implemented by Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have deliberately targeted logistics and transportation as key non-oil economic sectors. This strategic pivot has been accelerated by the recognition that traditional hydrocarbon-based economies needed sustainable, knowledge-driven alternatives for future prosperity.

According to some economic data, logistics now contribute over 13% to the UAE's GDP, with similar trends emerging across other GCC nations. These diversification efforts are driven by comprehensive economic vision documents, such as Dubai's Logistics Corridor Initiative and Saudi Arabia's National Industrial Development and Logistics Programme (NIDLP). The NIDLP, one of 13 programmes aimed at achieving Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, focuses on transforming the Kingdom into a leading industrial powerhouse and a global logistics hub.

Financial incentives have played a crucial role in accelerating this economic transition. Competitive landing fees, fuel subsidies for carriers, tax advantages in specialised free zones, and streamlined customs procedures have created an attractive business environment. These incentives, coupled with strategic government investments, have accelerated the development of integrated logistics networks that link air cargo operations with broader economic activities.

Technological innovation in logistics
Beyond physical infrastructure and equipment, Middle Eastern air cargo stakeholders have invested heavily in cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and advanced tracking systems to enhance operational efficiency.

“Our most recent milestones include the successful launch of One Cargo, our cutting-edge cargo management system, which automates key business and operational functions with an integrated, cloud-based platform. AI-driven tools and analytics provide enhanced visibility on sales and business performance, allowing customers to match real-time demand with available capacity for maximum profitability. In addition, OneCargo eliminates all redundancies and manual check sheets, substantially improving operational efficiency.

We are also enhancing our airport community system, Calogi. Besides offering a highly integrated, cost-effective trading platform, this system delivers a number of significant benefits for air cargo supply chain stakeholders, including general sales agents, airlines, ground handlers, forwarders, road feeder services and third-party logistics providers. It allows stakeholders to conduct business with their customers and interact with authorities on one platform, sharing information and settling payments using their Calogi credit account. Customers can integrate the platform into existing workflows through APIs and take advantage of all innovative functions while using their own system. The platform also helps customers simplify existing processes without investing in multiple systems. Furthermore, it enhances sustainability by promoting paperless and cashless trade through collaboration and automation.

“The foundation of a successful hub lies in modern, sustainable infrastructure – our top priority for 2025. dnata is fully embedded within Dubai’s ecosystem, continuously enhancing connectivity, and driving digital transformation to enable seamless trade and transactions between all stakeholders.”
Guillaume Crozier, dnata

More importantly, we developed a real-time, AI-driven data warehouse that consolidates information from across our UAE and global cargo networks. With strong data governance, we’re leveraging this platform to drive advanced analytics and automation,” says Crozier of dnata.

From an airline perspective, Brun of Etihad Cargo says, “At Etihad Cargo, we remain focused on delivering a customer-centric, innovation-driven strategy that strengthens our leadership in the region’s fast-evolving air cargo landscape. A core component of our approach has been investing in infrastructure and product development, particularly in specialised verticals. We have recently doubled the cool chain capacity at our Abu Dhabi pharma hub, which has enabled us to significantly scale up temperature-sensitive cargo handling, aligning with a projected 12% growth in PharmaLife volumes in 2025.

Our strategic partnerships, including Noatum Logistics for sea-air integration, and our increased investment in blockchain, IoT-enabled monitoring, and active temperature-controlled packaging, exemplify our commitment to efficiency and resilience.”

Meanwhile, Emirates SkyCargo has enhanced its digital capabilities with the recent launch of eQuote, offering customers real-time data and a seamless booking experience, reinforcing its commitment to digitisation.

Qatar Airways Cargo has recently launched TechLift, a new product specifically designed to improve air cargo transportation for the growing semiconductor industry.

E-commerce revolution and air cargo growth
The explosive growth of e-commerce has become a primary catalyst for air cargo development in the Middle East. “The rise of e-commerce has transformed air cargo dynamics, prompting Etihad Cargo to enhance its infrastructure and digital capabilities. We have implemented automation tools across operations to ensure fast and precise handling of smaller, high-frequency shipments. In India, 93% of bookings are now completed digitally via our online portal, which accommodates specialised shipment types, including time-sensitive and dangerous goods.

Our customer engagement platform and Sales Cockpit system have improved operational visibility and booking efficiency. Predictive analytics and real-time tracking enable customers to monitor shipments accurately and proactively address disruptions. These advancements are critical to meet the fast-moving, high-volume requirements of e-commerce, especially across the Asia-Middle East and Middle East-Africa trade corridors,” says Brun of Etihad Cargo.

The Middle East e-commerce market size was valued at USD 1,888 billion in 2024. The market to reach USD 10,957 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 21.58% from 2025-2033, according to data by IMARC Group.

The rapid growth has created unprecedented demand for efficient air freight services, particularly for cross-border e-commerce shipments.

“Despite economic challenges, e-commerce continues to drive air cargo demand as it is predicted that, by 2027, e-commerce will make up nearly a quarter of total global retail sales. The need for rapid delivery of online purchases keeps air cargo volumes relatively stable,” says Osman of SolitAir.

Geopolitical tensions and broader challenges
However, the journey is not without challenges. Geopolitical tensions remain a persistent concern, with regional conflicts, trade disputes, and economic sanctions posing potential disruptions to carefully constructed logistics networks. Ongoing complexities in Yemen, Syria, and Israel, along with periodic tensions between Gulf states, create an unpredictable environment that logistics planners must continuously navigate. “Ongoing supply chain issues in the Red Sea and Panama Canal, including port congestion and labour shortages, are pushing businesses to rely more on air cargo for time-sensitive shipments,” explains Osman of SolitAir.

Notably, Dennis Lister, Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo, discussed the constraints in the Suez Canal during an interview with The STAT Trade Times at Air Cargo Africa 2025 in Nairobi. He highlighted how disruptions forced many vessels to reroute via the Cape of Good Hope, requiring quick adaptation and alternative solutions. As an example, he cited Emirates SkyCargo’s collaboration with a Kenyan freight forwarder to transport flowers when the Suez Canal was blocked. The cargo was moved via a multimodal solution, first to Jebel Ali and then airlifted to Europe.

“One of the key drivers has been the Red Sea crisis, coupled with the readiness and professionalism of Dubai’s logistics ecosystem, which responded swiftly and effectively to market demands,” says Crozier of dnata.

Escalating trade tensions between major global economies, particularly the United States and China, are introducing additional complexities for regional logistics networks. The U.S. has imposed steep tariffs: 34% on China, 32% on Taiwan, and 46% on Vietnam. In retaliation, China will enforce a 34% tariff on all U.S. goods starting April 10, 2025, responding to the latest trade duties announced by U.S President Donald Trump.

The Trump administration later announced a 90-day suspension of most newly increased tariffs, though a 10% duty on nearly all global imports would remain. China, however, was an exception. After already raising tariffs on Chinese goods, Trump declared an immediate hike to 125%, escalating the trade conflict. Prior to this, China had pledged to raise tariffs on U.S. goods to 84% starting April 10. The White House later clarified that the effective rate on Chinese imports would total 145% when including a previous 20% fentanyl-related tariff. In response, China announced it would raise its tariffs on American goods from 84% to 125%, effective April 12.

Market analytics platform Xeneta has warned that the U.S. government's move could have a ‘seismic’ impact on the air cargo sector, as e-commerce shipments from China to the U.S. make up 6% of global airfreight demand.

As intermediaries in global supply chains, Middle Eastern air cargo hubs must now navigate an increasingly volatile trade environment. Rapid shifts in regulations, tariff structures, and compliance requirements, driven by evolving geopolitical developments, demand agility and strategic foresight from logistics operators in the region.

In addition, carriers face challenges such as fluctuating oil prices, which directly impact fuel costs and profitability, highlights Osman of SolitAir.

Another challenge is the shortage of capacity due to high demand and limited freighter availability, much of which has also been consumed by e-commerce shipments.

“E-commerce has taken a lot of capacity, and there is no question. If you look at the 30-plus-odd freighters we have out of Hong Kong alone, a lot of capacity has been consumed by the rise of e-commerce. E-commerce will grow more in the future, and we certainly need more capacity,” said Lister of Emirates SkyCargo.

This is also evident for new carriers in the market, like SolitAir. “We are seeing high demand from customers in the sectors we currently serve. However, due to a shortage of narrow-body aircraft, we are temporarily unable to fully accommodate all requests. To address this, we are exploring options to expand our fleet and improve our operational capacity to meet customer needs in the future,” says Osman of SolitAir.

“SolitAir has plans to launch new services to India, Africa, and other key markets, positioning itself to capitalise on regional trade growth.”

Future outlook
Looking forward, the Middle East is poised to further cement its position as a global air cargo hub. Emerging technologies like autonomous vehicles, drone delivery systems, and advanced robotics are already being piloted across the region's logistics facilities. “We integrated drones into our operations, digitising warehouse inventory processes. This has produced outstanding results, having a transformative effect on our efficiency levels and reducing rack processing times.

We are set to launch our business enhancement capacity programme to elevate DXB’s capacity and capabilities over the next decade, leading up to the full commissioning of Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). This includes product-focused facilities such as the dnata e-commerce centre and an expanded Valuable Centre, while we simultaneously advance master planning for the future Air Cargo City at DWC,” says Crozier of dnata.

Dubai’s Autonomous Transportation Strategy and Abu Dhabi’s Smart City initiatives incorporate significant logistics automation elements that could fundamentally transform cargo handling efficiencies in the coming years. In addition, various partnerships are set to transform the Middle East’s capabilities, enhancing its connectivity to global trade lanes.

“The growing demand for e-commerce and the rising need for fast, reliable logistics solutions are expected to be significant drivers of growth in the air cargo sector.”
Hamdi Osman, SolitAir

“Our growing collaboration with SF Airlines has positioned Abu Dhabi as the number one UAE port of entry for cargo from mainland China by tonnage. We continue to expand our network, including recent additions such as Jaipur, Calicut, and Thiruvananthapuram, while increasing frequencies on high-demand routes and exploring underserved markets for further growth​,” says Brun of Etihad Cargo.

“The growing demand for rapid and reliable logistics solutions in the Gulf region, particularly for e-commerce, pharmaceuticals and perishables, aligns well with SolitAir’s service offerings. The region’s commitment to diversifying its economy beyond oil, with a focus on sectors such as technology and manufacturing, will likely result in increased demand for specialised air cargo services,” says Osman of SolitAir.

As global trade patterns continue to evolve, the Middle East stands ready to play an increasingly important role in international logistics, bridging continents and driving global economic connectivity through its advanced air cargo infrastructure.