Freighter capacity growth shifts away from Middle East amid conflict

According to new industry data from Rotate, freighter capacity is expanding most rapidly at airports beyond the Middle East, particularly in emerging hubs across Central Asia and Europe, as carriers adjust cargo networks in response to the ongoing US–Israel–Iran war. However, this could change in the coming weeks, as hostilities are on a short-term pause following a ceasefire.

The latest figures from Rotate, comparing outbound freighter capacity in March 2026 against March 2025, show Istanbul (IST), Baku (GYD) and Muscat (MCT) among the top 10 fastest-growing airports worldwide — a pattern analysts attribute largely to airline network adjustments triggered by ongoing developments in West Asia.

"March headlines are heavily shaped by developments in West Asia. Part of this ranking also reflects how airlines have been adjusting networks and operations in response," the report states.

The data, which tracks the top 10 airports by outbound freighter capacity growth, also highlights the continued dominance of established cargo hubs. Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Leipzig/Halle (LEJ) and Liège (LGG) remain central to global freight redistribution, underlining their role as key nodes in the international supply chain even as newer entrants gain ground.

The findings suggest a dual dynamic at play in global air cargo: rapid capacity shifts at geopolitically sensitive transit points alongside steady throughput growth at legacy logistics hubs, a combination that could signal longer-term structural changes in how freight moves across key trade corridors.