Middle East and Africa Air Cargo Services Market Outlook (2022-2033)

The Middle East and Africa air cargo services market size is expected to reach US$ 24,999.8 million by 2033 from US$ 17,474.0 million in 2024. The market is estimated to record a CAGR of 4.1% from 2025 to 2033.

Executive Summary and Middle East and Africa Air Cargo Services Market Analysis:

The Middle East and Africa air cargo services market is evolving into a strategic global logistics hub, supported by rapid infrastructure development, favorable geographic positioning, and growing investments in trade facilitation. Key countries, including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Türkiye, South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, and Algeria, are driving regional market growth through the modernization of airport infrastructure, the expansion of cargo-handling capacities, and enhanced trade connectivity across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a major logistics hub under its Vision 2030 strategy, with Riyadh and Jeddah airports witnessing significant cargo volume growth. Government initiatives focus on logistics zone development and enhancing multimodal freight corridors.

The United Arab Emirates, anchored by Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi Airport, continues to lead the region with robust express cargo services, world-class free zones, and high logistics performance. Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport is set to become a key air cargo mega-hub.

Qatar, through Hamad International Airport, is expanding its freight operations with a focus on perishable and time-sensitive cargo, supported by Qatar Airways’ cargo division and smart cargo management systems. Kuwait and Bahrain are strengthening their cargo handling infrastructure to attract more regional and international traffic, with investments in airport upgrades and bonded logistics centers.

Oman is boosting its air cargo role through Muscat and Salalah airports, offering strategic access to Gulf, Asian, and East African markets. The country is also investing in integrated air-sea logistics platforms.

Türkiye serves as a key transcontinental logistics bridge between Europe and Asia. With Istanbul Airport’s growing role in international air freight, Türkiye is enhancing cold chain capacity, cargo digitization, and regional connectivity.

In Africa, South Africa leads with advanced cargo infrastructure and major freight corridors linking Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. Government-backed industrial zones and customs modernization are supporting air cargo volume growth.

Egypt is capitalizing on its location at the nexus of Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Cairo International Airport is seeing increased cargo traffic, aided by free zones and logistics clusters. National plans like “Egypt Vision 2030” further support logistics sector expansion.

Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa, is experiencing growing demand for cargo services, driven by rising e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. Lagos and Abuja airports are seeing infrastructure upgrades, while policy reforms support customs digitization and trade facilitation.

Algeria is developing its air cargo capabilities through investments in industrial zones, airport expansion, and the government’s focus on boosting exports and reducing import dependency. Algiers Airport is emerging as a strategic gateway for North African cargo flows.

Middle East and Africa Air Cargo Services Market Segmentation Analysis

Key segments that contributed to the derivation of the air cargo services market analysis are type, destination and end user.

• By type, the air cargo services market is bifurcated into regular and express. The regular segment dominated the market in 2024.
• By destination, the market is bifurcated into international and domestic. The international segment held the largest share of the market in 2024.
• By end user, the market is segmented into retail, pharmaceutical/healthcare, food/beverage, consumer electronics, automotive, and others. The pharmaceutical/healthcare segment held the largest share of the market in 2024.

Middle East and Africa Air Cargo Services Market Outlook

The Middle East and Africa air cargo services market is emerging as a globally strategic and rapidly expanding logistics hub, fuelled by strong investments in infrastructure, favourable trade policies, and robust demand from sectors like e-commerce, healthcare, and manufacturing. The region benefits from its geographic advantage connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa, enabling seamless transcontinental freight movement. Key countries such as Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Türkiye are heavily investing in airport expansion, bonded logistics zones, and digitized customs procedures to streamline air cargo operations.

A major driver of market growth is the push toward modernization and automation. Governments and logistics providers are accelerating the adoption of AI-powered cargo platforms, green aviation fuel technologies, and temperature-controlled infrastructure to meet the rising need for time-sensitive and high-value cargo shipments. In parallel, initiatives promoting regional connectivity such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and Middle East multimodal corridors are improving integration across the continent. As global supply chains shift and trade flows diversify, the Middle East and Africa air cargo market is well-positioned to become a dominant player in global air freight logistics and innovation.

Middle East and Africa Air Cargo Services Market Country Insights

Based on country, the Middle East and Africa air cargo services market is experiencing significant growth, driven by strategic investments, trade expansion, and infrastructure modernization across economies such as Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Türkiye, South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, and Algeria. These countries are enhancing their roles in the global air cargo network by leveraging geographic connectivity, digitization, and regional trade alliances.

Saudi Arabia is strengthening its position through Vision 2030 initiatives, with major investments in airport infrastructure, logistics zones, and smart customs systems. Riyadh and Jeddah are emerging as regional cargo hubs, supporting growing demand in pharmaceuticals and e-commerce.

United Arab Emirates continues to lead the region’s air freight activity, with Dubai International and Al Maktoum airports serving as global logistics hubs. The country’s free zones, multimodal connectivity, and advanced cargo handling systems are key contributors to its status as a strategic air cargo gateway.

Kuwait is expanding its logistics capacity with upgrades to Kuwait International Airport and investment in digital freight technologies. Government-backed initiatives are focused on boosting air cargo efficiency and attracting private sector logistics investment.

Bahrain plays a growing role in regional air cargo through its Bahrain International Airport, offering rapid customs clearance, digital processing, and strong connectivity to Gulf markets. Strategic logistics reforms are enhancing Bahrain’s competitiveness in temperature-sensitive cargo.

Qatar is a prominent air cargo player, with Hamad International Airport serving as a central hub for express and long-haul freight. Investments in cold chain infrastructure and sustainability solutions are strengthening its service in perishables and healthcare shipments.

Oman is developing its air logistics ecosystem through airport modernization at Muscat and Salalah, supported by free trade zones and e-commerce growth. The country is focusing on enhancing digital logistics capabilities and cross-border trade facilitation.

Türkiye serves as a critical link between Europe, Asia, and Africa, with Istanbul Airport playing a central role in regional cargo transit. The country is advancing digital cargo platforms and infrastructure to accommodate increasing demand in electronics and textiles.

South Africa features a diversified air cargo market with strong freight volumes in automotive parts, mining equipment, and perishables. Airports in Johannesburg and Cape Town are benefiting from investments in air freight digitization and logistics automation.

Egypt is expanding its cargo handling capacity across major airports including Cairo and Alexandria, supported by infrastructure upgrades and logistics partnerships. Its strategic location bridges Asia, Africa, and Europe, enhancing transcontinental freight flows.

Nigeria holds significant long-term potential, with government initiatives aimed at modernizing airport cargo terminals and promoting industrial export growth. Lagos and Abuja are emerging as centers for temperature-sensitive cargo such as pharmaceuticals and food products.

Algeria is positioning itself as a cargo hub for North Africa through investments in manufacturing zones, port-airport logistics corridors, and SME-led industrial growth. Government focus on import substitution and local production is boosting air freight demand.

The Middle East and Africa air cargo services market is expected to continue expanding as countries boost investment in automation, green freight solutions, and air cargo infrastructure. These developments are reinforcing the region’s leadership role in global air cargo logistics. 

Middle East and Africa Air Cargo Services Market Company Profiles

ANA Cargo, Cargolux Airlines International S.A., Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, Emirates SkyCargo, Etihad Cargo, FedEx Corp, United Parcel Service Inc, Zela Aviation The Air Charter Company, Lufthansa Group, and Deutsche Post AG are among the key players operating in the market. These players adopt strategies such as expansion, product innovation, and mergers and acquisitions to stay competitive in the market and offer innovative products to their consumers.

Middle East and Africa Air Cargo Services Market Research Methodology:

The following methodology has been followed for the collection and analysis of data presented in this report:

Secondary Research

The research process begins with comprehensive secondary research, utilizing both internal and external sources to gather qualitative and quantitative data for each market. Commonly referenced secondary research sources include, but are not limited to:

• Company websites, annual reports, financial statements, broker analyses, and investor presentations
• Industry trade journals and other relevant publications
• Government documents, statistical databases, and market reports
• News articles, press releases, and webcasts specific to companies operating in the market

Note: All financial data included in the Company Profiles section has been standardized to US$. For companies reporting in other currencies, figures have been converted to US$ using the relevant exchange rates for the corresponding year.

Primary Research

Business Market Insights conducts a significant number of primary interviews each year with industry stakeholders and experts to validate and analyze the data and gain valuable insights. These research interviews are designed to:

• Refine findings from secondary research
• Enhance the expertise and market understanding of the analysis team
• Gain insights into market size, trends, growth patterns, competitive dynamics, and future prospects

Primary research is conducted via email interactions and telephone interviews with industry experts across various markets, categories, segments, and sub-segments in different regions. Participants typically include:

• Industry stakeholders: Vice Presidents, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers
• External experts: Valuation specialists, research analysts, and key opinion leaders with industry-specific expertise

Middle East and Africa Air Cargo Services Key Sources Referred:

• The International Air Transport Association (IATA)
• The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
• World Bank – Global Trade Indicators
• World Trade Organization (WTO)
• World Bank – Middle East and Africa Logistics Performance Index
• Airports Council International (ACI) – Middle East and Africa Region
• International Trade Administration (ITA)
• Company website
• Company annual reports
• Company investor presentations