Asia-Pacific seen keeping global lead in air cargo
The Asia-Pacific (Apac) region is expected to continuously lead other global markets in air cargo space over the next three years, driven by strong e-commerce and strategic manufacturing activities.
In the latest outlook report, the Airports Council International Asia-Pacific and Middle East, it projects 4.3 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the Apac region through 2028. This is followed by the Middle East, expected to grow at a 3.3 percent CAGR.
The council is a trade body representing over 600 airports. Worldwide, its members operate more than 2000 airports.
The council’s director general, Stefano Baronci, said that the cargo’s resurgence has fueled the resilience in the region. This has been particularly visible in the first 10 months of the 2025, thanks to e-commerce and manufacturing shifts.
Baronci said that Apac is forecast to continue playing the largest share in terms of cargo growth over the next three years amid geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties.
“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,” he said. “This growth trajectory requires supportive policies and coordinated planning across the cargo supply chain.”
Southern Asia accounts for the majority of the projected growth at 5.5 percent CAGR.
