Abu Dhabi Airports expands cargo reach with K-Mile Air link

Abu Dhabi Airports has launched direct cargo connectivity to northern Thailand after Thailand-based carrier K-Mile Air began freighter operations to Zayed International Airport on May 4. The airline will operate five weekly Boeing 767 freighter services linking Abu Dhabi with Chiang Mai International Airport and Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport, marking the first direct air cargo connection between Abu Dhabi and northern Thailand.

The addition of K-Mile Air expands Abu Dhabi’s freighter network to 36 destinations and comes at a time when cargo volumes at Abu Dhabi Airports are recording sustained growth. According to data covering the period between April 27 and May 3, cargo traffic rose from 1,878 tonnes per day at the start of the year to 2,216 tonnes per day, reflecting an increase of 18%.

Freighter cargo volumes increased from baseline levels of 389 tonnes per day to 851 tonnes per day during the same period, representing growth of 119%. Dedicated freighter cargo now accounts for 38% of total cargo throughput, while daily freighter movements increased by 42%, indicating rising utilisation of Abu Dhabi’s cargo infrastructure.

Inbound freighter volumes averaged 612 tonnes per day, up about 91% over the period measured, while outbound freight from Abu Dhabi reached 239 tonnes per day, recording growth of 251%. Wide-body freighter operations also increased by approximately 55% to 17 daily movements as the airport handled more long-haul cargo traffic.

Ahmed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “Our teams are playing a pivotal role in sustaining the flow of goods through Abu Dhabi and expanding the global reach of Zayed International Airport (AUH) as well as Al Ain International Airport (AAN), which is rapidly developing into an important regional logistics hub. Despite a shifting global landscape, our freighter cargo volumes have more than doubled, reflecting operational readiness and agility in rapidly scaling up to meet demand and demonstrating the strength of our hubs as reliable and expanding destinations for international trade, even during a period of volatility.”

Abu Dhabi Airports said the network expansion and the addition of new operators are strengthening the emirate’s role as a logistics gateway for international trade and global cargo integrators. The airport operator added that higher freighter capacity and growth in wide-body operations are supporting the UAE’s economic diversification plans and positioning Abu Dhabi as a logistics hub.

Quarterly cargo data also reflected continued expansion across the airport network. Total cargo tonnage handled by Abu Dhabi Airports during the first quarter of 2026 increased 4.2% year on year to 171,794 tonnes. Dedicated freighter cargo at Zayed International Airport rose 11.4% to 58,128 tonnes during the same period.

Al Ain International Airport recorded cargo growth of 45.9% year on year, reflecting its expanding role in regional logistics operations. Abu Dhabi Airports also added a net eight airlines during the first quarter, taking the total number of carriers operating from the emirate to 36 airlines serving 127 destinations.