# Gulf Airlines Expand Air Freight Operations, Rates Remain High

**Category:** Transport  |  **Source:** Frachtportal Redaktion  |  **Published:** 2026-06-24  |  **Updated:** 2026-06-28

**Tags:** Luftfracht 2026, Qatar Airways, Luftfrachtraten, Wold AF, Air Cargo, Luftfracht, Airfreight, Logistik News, Transport News, Fracht News, Speditions News, Supply Chain News, Zoll News, Frachtportal News, Seefracht, Digitalisierung

> Qatar Airways and Emirates report significantly higher cargo volumes. Nevertheless, global air freight rates remain high at $3.23/kg.

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The major Gulf airlines are getting back on track in the air freight business.

According to market data, Qatar Airways transported about 28 percent more cargo in May. Emirates' increase was 17 percent, while Etihad reported a 6 percent rise.

This indicates that the capacities over Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi are slowly returning. Qatar Airways claims to have restored approximately 85 percent of its prior route network.

For shippers, more capacity typically means lower prices. However, that is not yet the case at the moment.

WorldACD recently reported a global average price of 3.23 USD per kilogram. This is about 34 percent higher than a year ago.

The market remains expensive. While more planes are flying again, space is still tight on many routes. Freight forwarders continue to report long lead times and limited availability, particularly from Asia, India, and Southeast Asia.

Additionally, lower oil and kerosene prices do not immediately translate to lower air freight rates. Airlines and forwarders are first waiting to see if the situation truly stabilizes.

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For us forwarders, the situation is clear: More flights help, but air freight is still far from cheap.

For urgent shipments, continue to book early and do not only ask for the cheapest price. What matters is whether the space is confirmed and whether the shipment actually flies.

In short: The Gulf carriers are back. The high rates will remain for the time being.

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Qatar Airways increased its cargo volume in May by 28 percent according to Rotate.

This equates to approximately 78,200 additional tons.

Emirates saw a 17 percent increase.

Etihad raised its volume by 6 percent.

Global air cargo capacity rose by about 4 percent in May.

WorldACD recently reported an average price of 3.23 USD/kg.

This was 34 percent higher than the previous year.

Capacity from the Middle East and South Asia remains below pre-crisis levels.

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