The Middle East region, which is emerging as a global air cargo hub due to its strategic location, continues to invest in technologies to ensure speed, accuracy, and sustainability. Hence the focus now is more towards developing or modernising their infrastructure with automation, digital tracking, among others.
Dr. Shehara Fernando
With airports such as Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh serving as global transit points, the Gulf region is central to international trade. Its air cargo market is expanding due to booming e-commerce, which has brought in a rapid digital transformation following increasing demand for express deliveries.
An important component is strategy with Vision 2030 & Economic Diversification, Gulf countries are investing in logistics to reduce dependency on oil.
To maintain its competitive edge, airports in the region are on their way to make their mark by integrating advanced technologies so as to ensure speed, accuracy and sustainability. Automation is reshaping the cargo terminals by increasing efficiency and reducing scope of human error.
Automated Cargo Handling Systems, which are AI-powered sorting and robotic tools, optimise cargo movement. Autonomous Vehicles & Drones, used in internal logistics, reduce transit times within the airports. Smart Warehousing Solutions is another aspect where automated storage and retrieval systems improve space utilisation.
Digitalisation is the key in today’s tracking, transparent and security areas. Real-time monitoring of cargo conditions is essential for pharmaceuticals and perishables.
Blockchain-based documentation is another element to ensure that the records are secure and tamper-proof and digital records expedite customs clearance. AI-driven Logistics Management is becoming predictive analytics optimise flight schedules and cargo allocation.
Dubai’s Al Maktoum Airport and KSA’s NEOM aim to create seamless trade hubs. As regulatory digitalisation sets in governments are digitising customs to enhance trade efficiency. Airport expansions in Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, and Doha are designed to handle more volumes. The airports are transforming into high-tech logistics hubs. Automation, and sustainable infra are key to enhance efficiency and maintain the region’s competitive advantage.
Abu Dhabi reinforces its role as air cargo hub
Leonard Rodrigues, Director, Revenue Management & Network Planning, Etihad Cargo
Airport infra balances cost efficiency, speed, and traceability to meet the growing demand for e-commerce and time-sensitive shipments. Facilities prioritised either cost efficiency or advanced automation, but an integrated approach is essential. Abu Dhabi is reinforcing its position as an international cargo hub with the east midfield cargo terminal (EMCT) at Zayed International Airport. The facility is set to be operational in first half of 2027, enhancing capacity and efficiency.
Right tech to optimise load by handling agents
Guillaume Crozier, Chief Cargo Officer dnata
We are focusing on opening the new dnata Express e-commerce terminal at Dubai International Airport. It will be commissioned later this year. This will build more capacity in the market. E-commerce imposes a fast-paced cycle from origin to the destination within 72 hours. Ground handling agents need to have the right tech to optimise their load. That is why we will continue to invest in and implement our computer vision technology.
Modern facilities designed to handle more volumes
Razmal Assen, Executive Director, Scanwell Logistics
The Middle East’s airport infrastructure is evolving rapidly to meet the increasing demands of air cargo, especially with the surge in e-commerce and time-sensitive shipments. Modern facilities are being designed to handle larger volumes efficiently, incorporating dedicated cargo terminals and optimised logistics hubs. This infrastructure supports seamless flow of goods, reducing delays and ensuring timely deliveries. Automation and digital tracking systems streamline processes.
Automation enhances efficiency in cargo ops
A.S. Azimi, MD and CEO, Azimi Cargo and Logistics
Airports are addressing the growing demands of air cargo by investing in infrastructure development and improving capacity to meet the rise in e-commerce and time-sensitive shipments. Many airports are expanding DCTs and improving intra-airport transport systems to streamline movement of goods. Automation and digital tracking systems play role in enhancing efficiency in cargo ops. Real-time digital tracking systems allows managers to monitor cargo status.
Investment in infra, vital for timely delivery
Yusuf Najim, CEO, Orbit Logistics
The development of infrastructure is indeed an asset to air cargo and logistics, especially as e-commerce and time-sensitive shipments continue to surge. Current airport infra is evolving to meet these demands by expanding cargo facilities to handle higher volumes. Investments in latest warehouses and DCTs help streamline operations and reduce TAT, vital for businesses relying on timely delivery. Smart warehouses and automated systems smoothen cargo flow, minimise delays and optimise storage.
PPPs develop next gen cargo infrastructure
Samantak Dasgupta, General Manager, Cozmo Logistics
The Middle East’s airport infrastructure is evolving to meet the cargo demands, particularly with surge in e-commerce and time-sensitive shipments. Hubs such as Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi have expanded DCTs, integrated advanced cold chain facilities, and enhanced express cargo capabilities. Increasing volumes necessitate investment in streamlined customs clearance, multimodal linkage and warehouse automation to ensure seamless cargo movement. Technology plays a vital role in driving efficiency in air cargo operations.
Joint investments enable usage of airport resources
Abid Hamza, GM, Fast Logistics, Cargo FZCO
The Middle East has emerged as a hub for air cargo, driven by its location and rising volumes. Airport infra has evolved to meet demand, particularly from the e-commerce and time-sensitive shipments. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha airports have increased cold chain capabilities, and enhanced multimodal linkage to smoothen freight flows. Joint investments in digital platforms, data-sharing and integrated logistics enable better planning and utilisation of airport resources.
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