Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market Size and Forecast (2021

Description

List of Tables

The Middle East and Africa (MEA) air cargo market is projected to grow significantly, with an expected market size of approximately US$ 26,337.3 million by 2031, up from US$ 19,305.6 million in 2024. This growth translates to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4% from 2025 to 2031, indicating a robust demand for air cargo services in the region.

Executive Summary and Market Analysis

The MEA air cargo market is primarily segmented into key regions including South Africa, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the Rest of the MEA. Major players such as Emirates SkyCargo, Etihad Cargo, DHL International, and Lufthansa Cargo are instrumental in driving air cargo demand across these regions. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), by 2025, the distribution of air cargo capacity in the MEA will be heavily reliant on belly-hold space (53.3%) and dedicated freighters (46.7%). The dedicated freighter segment is expected to see a year-over-year growth of 6.4%, reflecting a shift towards specialized cargo operations to meet increasing demand.

However, the market has faced challenges, particularly in early 2025, due to geopolitical tensions, such as the situation in the Red Sea, which impacted growth rates compared to the previous year. In 2024, the region experienced exceptional growth, with carrier growth rates exceeding 26% in the Middle East and nearly 16% in Africa.

Governments in the MEA are making strategic investments in advanced cargo handling technologies and infrastructure improvements. These investments focus on automation, robotics, and AI-driven solutions aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, reducing costs, and accommodating the rising volumes of e-commerce and global supply chain integration. Market participants are also pursuing organic growth through product innovations, network expansions, and strategic partnerships, positioning the air cargo market for substantial growth driven by sustained demand and investment opportunities.

Strategic Insights

Market Segmentation Analysis

The MEA air cargo market can be segmented by end user, type, and services:

By End User: The market is divided into segments such as Retail, Pharmaceutical or Healthcare, Food or Beverage, Consumer Electronics, Automotive, and Others. The Pharmaceutical or Healthcare segment was the largest in 2024.
By Type: The market is categorized into Air Mail and Air Freight, with Air Freight dominating in 2024.
By Services: The market is segmented into Express and Regular services, where the Regular segment led in 2024.

Market Outlook

The rise of online retailing is significantly impacting the air cargo market, as e-commerce continues to attract a larger customer base compared to traditional physical stores. E-commerce players are increasingly opting for logistics solutions that include both surface and air transport to ensure timely delivery of packages. The growth of the global e-commerce market has led to changing consumer buying patterns influenced by demographics, economic conditions, and awareness levels in various countries. Air cargo is well-suited to meet the demands for speed, efficiency, and reliability in goods delivery.

The fast-expanding cross-border e-commerce market is a key driver of air cargo demand, alongside increasing domestic volumes from both large and small e-retailers. Air cargo service providers are enhancing their offerings with upgraded technology, flexibility, scalability, and specialization to cater to the e-commerce sector. Timely delivery is crucial for e-commerce success, prompting organizations like IATA, FIATA, UPU, and WCO to focus on improving air cargo services in response to the growing e-commerce adoption.

In December 2024, IATA reported a continued increase in air cargo demand, with a year-over-year rise of 6.1% in cargo ton kilometers (CTK), marking 17 consecutive months of growth. The full year of 2024 saw CTK surpassing 2023 levels by 11.3%, setting a new record and exceeding 2021 volumes, further boosting the adoption of air cargo services for e-commerce.

Country Insights

The MEA air cargo market is also analyzed by country, with significant contributions from South Africa, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the Rest of MEA. The UAE held the largest market share in 2024, benefiting from its strategic location as a global transit hub connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. Major airports like Dubai International (DXB) and Abu Dhabi International are critical for regional and international supply chains. Emirates SkyCargo reported a 7% increase in cargo volumes in March 2025, driven by fleet expansions.

The growing demand for rapid delivery and time-sensitive logistics has led to substantial infrastructure investments at key airports, including expanded cargo terminals and automated handling systems. For instance, Dubai International Airport handled over 517,000 tonnes of cargo in the first quarter of 2025. In response to rising air cargo demand, carriers are launching tailored solutions, such as integrated warehousing and express delivery services for specific sectors like electronics and pharmaceuticals.

DHL announced plans to invest over US$ 584.40 million in its Middle Eastern operations, focusing on enhancing infrastructure and service capabilities. Similarly, DNATA has committed US$ 110 million to cargo projects, including a new cargo center in South Dubai with a handling capacity of 400,000 tons annually.

Company Profiles

Key players in the MEA air cargo market include United Parcel Service Inc, FedEx Corp, ANA Cargo, Cargolux Airlines International S.A., Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, Emirates SkyCargo, Etihad Cargo, Zela Aviation, Lufthansa Group, and Deutsche Post AG. These companies are employing various strategies such as expansion, product innovation, and mergers and acquisitions to enhance their market presence and offer innovative solutions to their customers.

Product Code: TIPRE00024047

1. Introduction

1.1 Report Guidance
1.2 Market Segmentation

2. Executive Summary

2.1 Key Insights
2.2 Market Attractiveness

3. Research Methodology

3.1 Secondary Research
3.2 Primary Research
- 3.2.1 Hypothesis formulation:
- 3.2.2 Macroeconomic factor analysis:
- 3.2.3 Developing base number:
- 3.2.4 Data Triangulation:
- 3.2.5 Country-level data:

5. Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market - Key Market Dynamics

5.1 Market Drivers
5.2 Market Restraints
5.3 Market Opportunities
5.4 Future Trends
5.5 Impact of Drivers and Restraints:

6. Air Cargo Market - Middle East & Africa Market Analysis

6.1 Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market Revenue (US$ Million), 2024 - 2031
6.2 Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market Forecast and Analysis

7. Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market Revenue Analysis - by End User

7.1 Retail
- 7.1.1 Overview
- 7.1.2 Retail: Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021 - 2031 (US$ Million)
7.2 Pharmaceutical or Healthcare
- 7.2.1 Overview
- 7.2.2 Pharmaceutical or Healthcare: Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021 - 2031 (US$ Million)
7.3 Food or Beverage
- 7.3.1 Overview
- 7.3.2 Food or Beverage: Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021 - 2031 (US$ Million)
7.4 Consumer Electronics
- 7.4.1 Overview
- 7.4.2 Consumer Electronics: Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021 - 2031 (US$ Million)
7.5 Automotive
- 7.5.1 Overview
- 7.5.2 Automotive: Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021 - 2031 (US$ Million)
7.6 Others
- 7.6.1 Overview
- 7.6.2 Others: Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021 - 2031 (US$ Million)

8. Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market Revenue Analysis - by Type

8.1 Air Mail
- 8.1.1 Overview
- 8.1.2 Air Mail: Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021 - 2031 (US$ Million)
8.2 Air Freight
- 8.2.1 Overview
- 8.2.2 Air Freight: Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021 - 2031 (US$ Million)

9. Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market Revenue Analysis - by Services

9.1 Express
- 9.1.1 Overview
- 9.1.2 Express: Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021 - 2031 (US$ Million)
9.2 Regular
- 9.2.1 Overview
- 9.2.2 Regular: Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021 - 2031 (US$ Million)

10. Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market - Country Analysis

10.1 Middle East & Africa
- 10.1.1 Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market Revenue and Forecast and Analysis - by Country
  - 10.1.1.1 Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market Revenue and Forecast and Analysis - by Country
  - 10.1.2.2 South Africa: Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021 - 2031 (US$ Million)
    - 10.1.2.2.1 South Africa: Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market Share - by End User
    - 10.1.2.2.2 South Africa: Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market Share - by Type
    - 10.1.2.2.3 South Africa: Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market Share - by Services
  - 10.2.3.3 Saudi Arabia: Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021 - 2031 (US$ Million)
    - 10.2.3.3.1 Saudi Arabia: Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market Share - by End User
    - 10.2.3.3.2 Saudi Arabia: Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market Share - by Type
    - 10.2.3.3.3 Saudi Arabia: Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market Share - by Services
  - 10.3.4.4 United Arab Emirates: Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021 - 2031 (US$ Million)
    - 10.3.4.4.1 United Arab Emirates: Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market Share - by End User
    - 10.3.4.4.2 United Arab Emirates: Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market Share - by Type
    - 10.3.4.4.3 United Arab Emirates: Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market Share - by Services
  - 10.4.5.5 Rest of Middle East & Africa: Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021 - 2031 (US$ Million)
    - 10.4.5.5.1 Rest of Middle East & Africa: Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market Share - by End User
    - 10.4.5.5.2 Rest of Middle East & Africa: Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market Share - by Type
    - 10.4.5.5.3 Rest of Middle East & Africa: Middle East & Africa Air Cargo Market Share - by Services

11 Competitive Landscape

11.1 Heat Map Analysis by Key Players
11.2 Company Positioning & Concentration

12 Industry Landscape

12.1 Overview
12.2 New Product Development
12.3 Merger and Acquisition
12.4 Other Strategic Developments

13 COMPANY PROFILES

13.1 United Parcel Service Inc
- 13.1.1 Key Facts
- 13.1.2 Business Description
- 13.1.3 Products and Services
- 13.1.4 Financial Overview
- 13.1.5 SWOT Analysis
- 13.1.6 Key Developments
13.2 FedEx Corp
- 13.2.1 Key Facts
- 13.2.2 Business Description
- 13.2.3 Products and Services
- 13.2.4 Financial Overview
- 13.2.5 SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.6 Key Developments
13.3 ANA Cargo
- 13.3.1 Key Facts
- 13.3.2 Business Description
- 13.3.3 Products and Services
- 13.3.4 Financial Overview
- 13.3.5 SWOT Analysis
- 13.3.6 Key Developments
13.4 Cargolux Airlines International S.A.
- 13.4.1 Key Facts
- 13.4.2 Business Description
- 13.4.3 Products and Services
- 13.4.4 Financial Overview
- 13.4.5 SWOT Analysis
- 13.4.6 Key Developments
13.5 Cathay Pacific Airways Limited
- 13.5.1 Key Facts
- 13.5.2 Business Description
- 13.5.3 Products and Services
- 13.5.4 Financial Overview
- 13.5.5 SWOT Analysis
- 13.5.6 Key Developments
13.6 Emirates SkyCargo
- 13.6.1 Key Facts
- 13.6.2 Business Description
- 13.6.3 Products and Services
- 13.6.4 Financial Overview
- 13.6.5 SWOT Analysis
- 13.6.6 Key Developments
13.7 Etihad Cargo
- 13.7.1 Key Facts
- 13.7.2 Business Description
- 13.7.3 Products and Services
- 13.7.4 Financial Overview
- 13.7.5 SWOT Analysis
- 13.7.6 Key Developments
13.8 Zela Aviation The Air Charter Company
- 13.8.1 Key Facts
- 13.8.2 Business Description
- 13.8.3 Products and Services
- 13.8.4 Financial Overview
- 13.8.5 SWOT Analysis
- 13.8.6 Key Developments
13.9 Lufthansa Group
- 13.9.1 Key Facts
- 13.9.2 Business Description
- 13.9.3 Products and Services
- 13.9.4 Financial Overview
- 13.9.5 SWOT Analysis
- 13.9.6 Key Developments
13.10 Deutsche Post AG
- 13.10.1 Key Facts
- 13.10.2 Business Description
- 13.10.3 Products and Services
- 13.10.4 Financial Overview
- 13.10.5 SWOT Analysis
- 13.10.6 Key Developments

14. Appendix

14.1 About The Insight Partners