Middle Eastern Carriers See Strong Cargo Growth, Up 7.4%

Doha, Qatar: The Middle Eastern carriers witnessed more than 7 percent growth in cargo in November last year according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The regional performance data for November of Middle Eastern carriers show 7.4 percent year-on-year demand for air cargo. The capacity increased by 11 percent year-on-year.

The International Air Transport Association data for November 2025 noted that global air cargo markets were showing the total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers, rose by 5.5 percent compared to November 2024 levels (+6.9 percent for international operations).

Meanwhile the capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers, increased by 4.7 percent compared to November 2024 (+6.5 percent for international operations).

Qatar's aviation sector reached a defining moment, marked by innovation, resilience, and renewed growth in 2025. From technological advancements to expanded global connectivity, the industry demonstrated significant strides that reshaped the future of air travel.

The country has been significantly developing its aviation industry with world-class infrastructures that ensure sustainable development and meet environmental standards.

In November, Qatar's air cargo witnessed upward trajectory as air cargo and mail traffic reported a growth of 3.9 percent, taking the total to 235,355 tonnes during November last year as compared to 226,532 tonnes in the same month in 2024, according to Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA).

The data also showed in November last year an increase of 6.2 percent was registered in aircraft movements compared to the same month in 2024. It noted that 24,020 flight movements were recorded in November 2025 against 22,610 aircraft activities in November 2024.

Meanwhile the number of air passengers also surged by 8.1 percent in November last year compared to the same month in 2024. The month saw 4.575 million travellers passing through the award-winning Hamad International Airport (HIA) as compared to the 4.231 million passengers in November 2024.

HIA recorded its highest-ever quarterly traffic between July and September 2025, handling more than 14.3 million passengers, a 4.3 percent increase compared to the same period last year. August was the airport's 'busiest month' on record, surpassing 5 million travellers during the quarter.

These results further cement the airport's reputation as one of the world's fastest-expanding international aviation hubs. This record-breaking achievement was driven by a 7 percent YoY rise in point-to-point traffic, as 3.4 million passengers travelled to and from Doha.

The growth was further bolstered by increased aircraft movements and consistently high seat occupancy across airlines operating at Hamad International Airport.

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