Global air cargo capacity is undergoing a notable redistribution in 2026, with new data showing a shift toward both emerging gateways and established hubs.
According to analysis from Rotate, Istanbul Airport recorded the strongest growth in outbound freighter capacity between March 2025 and March 2026, adding more than 23,000 tonnes.
It is followed by Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Noi Bai International Airport, underlining continued strength across major Asian cargo markets.
Other airports showing notable increases include Baku, Muscat, and Leipzig/Halle Airport, while traditional hubs such as Liège Airport continue to play a stabilizing role in global logistics networks.
The shift reflects broader geopolitical and operational pressures, particularly in the Middle East, where disruptions are forcing airlines to reconfigure routes and redeploy capacity.
Istanbul’s leading position highlights its strategic advantage as a crossroads between Europe, Asia and the Middle East, allowing it to capture traffic flows as carriers adapt to changing conditions.
Despite the rise of alternative hubs, established cargo airports remain essential for maintaining network resilience and absorbing fluctuating demand.
