Abu Dhabi Airports moves 344,795 tonnes of cargo in H1 2025

Abu Dhabi Airports recorded a robust air cargo performance in the first half of 2025, handling a total of 344,795 tonnes across its network from January 1 to June 30. The growth reflects the emirate’s rising role in global trade, supported by strategic partnerships, expanded airline bellyhold capacity, and infrastructure investments.

One key contributor is the increasing cargo uplift from passenger airlines serving Abu Dhabi, including India’s IndiGo. The carrier’s recent expansion to cities such as Madurai, Bhubaneswar, and Visakhapatnam has added valuable bellyhold cargo capacity, strengthening trade links between India’s Tier-2 cities and the UAE. This additional capacity is proving vital for time-sensitive shipments such as perishables, pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce goods.

A major milestone in H1 was Abu Dhabi Airports’ joint venture with JD Property, the infrastructure arm of Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com. The agreement will deliver a 70,000 sqm advanced logistics facility at Zayed International Airport (AUH), aimed at meeting growing east-west e-commerce and specialised cargo demand across the GCC and MENA. The state-of-the-art facility will integrate automation, smart warehousing systems, and temperature-controlled zones to cater to high-value and sensitive shipments.

Abu Dhabi Airports continues to invest in boosting cargo efficiency and sustainability, introducing advanced handling systems, digital cargo tracking, and expanded storage capabilities. These initiatives are part of a long-term strategy to attract global freight carriers, integrators, and e-commerce players to the emirate.

Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, said the strong cargo performance underscores the group’s role in enabling Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification. “Our cargo strategy is designed to position the emirate as a critical hub for global supply chains, capable of meeting the needs of rapidly evolving markets,” she said.

With growing demand from e-commerce, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals, Abu Dhabi Airports is on track to further expand its cargo network and reinforce its position as a vital GCC logistics hub.

This report was first published on The STAT Trade Times