ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East projects strong cargo expansion driven by e-commerce, manufacturing shifts and strategic investments in capacity and technology.
Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East (ACI APAC & MID) has released its latest short-term outlook, forecasting sustained air cargo growth across both regions through 2028. The updated forecast, developed with OAG, anticipates Asia-Pacific cargo volumes to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3%, while the Middle East is expected to expand at 3.3%.
Asia-Pacific continues to lead global air freight, supported by its robust manufacturing base in semiconductors and electronics, expanding cross-border e-commerce networks and demographic scale. These structural advantages are expected to secure the region’s leadership position well into the future.
The Middle East’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa has reinforced its role as a major cargo hub. Economic diversification, large-scale urban projects and rising demand for advanced logistics services are accelerating growth, attracting global operators and investment.
Stefano Baronci, Director General of ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, said: “The resurgence of cargo, particularly significant in the first 10 months of the year in Asia-Pacific, powered by e-commerce and manufacturing shifts, highlights the region’s underlying economic resilience. Despite geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties, over the next three years we expect Asia-Pacific to continue to play the lion’s share in terms of cargo growth. To prepare for this, over the next 10 years, airports in both Asia-Pacific and Middle East will invest extensively to add 71 million tonnes of additional cargo capacity.”
Regional outlook
- Southern Asia: 5.5% CAGR, driven by India’s strong economic performance.
- South-Eastern Asia: 5.2% CAGR, supported by China+1 manufacturing strategies.
- China: 4.4% CAGR, underpinned by cross-border e-commerce.
- Eastern Asia: 2.6% CAGR, reflecting steady export recovery.
- Oceania: 3.7 % CAGR, boosted by e-commerce and investment.
- Middle East: 3.3% CAGR, with Gulf airports investing in cargo terminals, cool-chain facilities and automation.
Technology adoption, including AI-enabled cargo management and digital booking platforms, is expected to enhance efficiency and support growth. However, ACI warns that geopolitical tensions, airspace restrictions and trade policy shifts remain key risks to cargo flows.
