Qatar Airways anticipates strong air cargo demand in 2026, even amid trade tensions and supply chain restructuring, according to The Straits Times interview with Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo. The airline is adjusting capacity toward high-growth regions including the Middle East, Africa, and India to match evolving freight flows and business needs.
Drusch highlighted that tariffs imposed by the United States have impacted cargo flows between the U.S. and China but said overall volumes and demand patterns remain robust as companies rework global supply chains.
Executive Insight: Strategic Cargo Shifts and Innovation
According to The Straits Times, Qatar’s cargo division is responding to market changes by deploying aircraft strategically. Drusch said the airline increased capacity toward:
- Middle East hubs
- African destinations
- Key Indian markets
This reflects both network flexibility and demand shifts seen in global freight movements.
The airline’s approach dovetails with broader air freight trends: global cargo demand grew through late 2025, backed by high-value, time-sensitive goods such as electronics and semiconductors, according to IATA data.
Cargo Volume Growth and Operational Data
In the 2024–25 fiscal year, Qatar Airways Cargo handled around 2.6 million tonnes of freight, maintaining its position as a leading global freight carrier with about a 7.1 % market share.
Comparative industry data from IATA shows continued expansion of cargo tonne-kilometer demand in 2025, indicating resilient freight activity even as supply chains adjust to tariffs and geopolitical shifts.
Evolving Freight Products and High-Value Sectors
Qatar Airways Cargo is innovating with products tailored for sensitive and high-value shipments:
- Jet engines are increasingly routed with specialized handling equipment.
- Semiconductor racks require controlled temperature, humidity, and vibration conditions.
These developments position the airline to capture growth in aerospace, semiconductors, and other precision industries, areas that account for an outsized share of future air cargo value.
Market Context: Wider Cargo Demand Dynamics
Air cargo globally continues to benefit from increased trade in high-value and time-critical goods like e-commerce, medical supplies, and tech components. IATA’s latest reports show year-on-year cargo demand increases, even as broader trade growth moderates.
Analysts note that while some trade lanes face headwinds (e.g., tariffs affecting U.S.–China flows), carriers in agile hubs like Doha can pivot capacity and exploit new growth corridors, particularly between Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
What’s Next for Cargo Growth in 2026
Looking forward:
- Airlines will likely continue expanding capacity where demand remains strong.
- Investments in specialized freight products and handling tech may unlock new revenue segments.
- Global carriers will adjust networks in response to evolving supply chain structures and economic policy shifts.
The air cargo market’s resilience suggests moderate growth through 2026, albeit unevenly distributed across regions.
Sources Used
- The Straits Times, Qatar Airways cargo chief spots strong demand in 2026 (05 Jan 2026).
- Mirage News, IATA cargo demand data showing sustained growth into 2025 and outlook into 2026.
- Air Cargo News, Aviation cargo product innovation and semiconductor handling context from Air Cargo News.
