Aviation

Middle East-Europe is ‘fastest-growing route for air cargo’

December 3, 2024, 5:37 PM

Cargo is loaded onto an aeroplane. The Middle East-Europe route accounts for 5% of global traffic

15.3% growth in October
Partly down to Red Sea crisis
IATA warning for 2025

The Middle East-Europe route for air cargo was the fastest growing in the world in October, according to International Air Transport Association figures.

Annual growth in cargo tonne-kilometres stood at 15.3 percent in October, IATA said. The global average is 9.8 percent and the Middle East average is 4.5 percent.

The Middle East-Europe route has recorded cargo increases for 15 months in a row – and aviation experts attribute this in part to the spate of attacks on Red Sea shipping.

Saudi Arabia has reported a 50 percent rise in air cargo traffic this year.

“Air cargo is less vulnerable to disruptions caused by instability and natural disasters,” Abdulaziz Al Duailej, head of the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation, said in October. “Our geographical position gives us an unparalleled advantage.”

The Middle East-Europe route makes up 5 percent of global air cargo traffic, according to IATA. Middle East-Asia services account for 7.2 percent and the route recorded growth of 9 percent in October.

Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general, hailed the “strong performance” of air cargo operators this year but warned that “we must look to 2025 with some caution”.

“The incoming Trump administration’s announced intention to impose significant tariffs on its top trading partners – Canada, China and Mexico – has the potential to upend global supply chains and undermine consumer confidence,” he said.

Last month Saudi Arabia and the US amended their bilateral aviation agreement on all-cargo flights. Saudi airlines will now be allowed to carry cargo between the US and third countries without needing to stop in their home country. US airlines will gain the same rights on flights to Saudi Arabia.

UAE airlines have also reported strong growth this year. Emirates SkyCargo carried 16 percent more freight in the six months from April, on the back of strong Chinese ecommerce traffic and a rise in shipments bound for Dubai.

Etihad Airways’ cargo revenue rose to $808 million in the first nine months of 2024, up 21 percent on the previous year.