Global air cargo demand declined 4.8% in March due to the conflict in the Middle East. The escalation caused a disruption of supply chains that weighed down on air freight volumes.
The International Air Transport Association reports that cargo demand among carriers in the Middle East dropped 54.3% year-on-year in March. In the same period, capacity declined by 52.4% among all carriers.
The onset of the conflict in late February led to widespread closure of airspaces and flight cancellations in the Middle East. The overall effect was severe disruptions at major cargo hubs in the Gulf, including Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi.
Air cargo demand dropped 4.8% in March compared to the previous year due to disruptions at major Gulf hubs. However, underlying demand appears to be strong, pointing to strong economic growth in 2026.
Air cargo networks are offering the required flexibility to support global supply chains amidst tariff wars, geopolitical shifts, and operational strains. Currently, the industry is wary of fuel supply and prices that may test its resilience.
