# Gulf Carriers Drive Airfreight Recovery

**Published:** 2026-06-23T13:54:11.413Z  
**Topic:** Fed Rates  
**Sentiment:** neutral  
**Publisher:** TrendWatcher — https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/2448aa8a-bf1c-433f-a570-bd38d729faeb

Airfreight rates jump 10% to $2.67 per kilo as Gulf capacity disruptions persist, with global air cargo volumes rising 4% week on week, but remaining 7% lower

Average global full-market air cargo rates increased by 10% week on week to $2.67 per kilo, including surcharges, after rising 8% the previous week, as disruption to Gulf capacity persisted following the conflict in the Middle East [1]. This rise in air cargo rates has significant implications for the global economy, as higher transportation costs can impact trade and economic growth.

| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Average global full-market air cargo rate | $2.67 per kilo |
| Week-on-week increase | 10% |
| Year-on-year decrease in global air cargo volumes | 7% |
| Week-on-week increase in global air cargo volumes | 4% |

## Airfreight Market Trends
The airfreight market remains highly volatile, with constrained capacity, alternative routings, and rising fuel costs continuing to impact the market [1]. The recovery in Middle East and South Asia (MESA) volumes followed a sharp decline the previous week, when capacity dropped significantly, with volumes from the region rising by 30% week on week [1]. However, overall global tonnages remained 7% lower year on year, while conditions in the Middle East continue to change rapidly.

## Competitive Picture and Market Outlook
Air cargo shippers are increasingly delaying tender decisions and extending existing contracts, rather than locking themselves into fresh agreements at today's elevated rates, according to market analysts [2]. This cautious approach reflects growing confidence among shippers that rates may be close to a peak, even if the decline is likely to be gradual [2]. The market remains highly volatile, with further operational challenges emerging, including new restrictions introduced in the United Arab Emirates and the impact of jet fuel availability and pricing [1].

## What to Watch
* The next release of global air cargo market data to monitor the trend in airfreight rates and volumes
* The impact of the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz on air cargo rates and capacity
* The response of air cargo shippers to the current market conditions and their strategies for managing costs and capacity

The current airfreight market trends and outlook have significant implications for the global economy, and the next few weeks will be crucial in determining the direction of the market. As air cargo shippers wait for the market to normalize, the question remains whether the current elevated rates will persist or decline, and what this will mean for trade and economic growth.

## Sources
1. Stattimes — [Air cargo rates jump as Gulf capacity disruptions persist](https://www.stattimes.com/air-cargo/air-cargo-rates-jump-as-gulf-capacity-disruptions-persist-1358500)
2. Theloadstar — [Cautious air cargo shippers delay tenders amid signs rates may have peaked - The Loadstar](https://theloadstar.com/cautious-air-cargo-shippers-delay-tenders-amid-signs-rates-may-have-peaked/)
3. Theloadstar — [Challenge joins India cargo rush as Europe-bound demand stays strong - The Loadstar](https://theloadstar.com/challenge-joins-india-cargo-rush-as-europe-bound-demand-stays-strong/)

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Cite as: TrendWatcher, "Gulf Carriers Drive Airfreight Recovery", https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/2448aa8a-bf1c-433f-a570-bd38d729faeb