Dubai Customs, Emirates SkyCargo build regional supply bridge

Cargo volumes through Dubai’s two air freight hubs rose 82% between January and May 2026 as the partnership absorbed regional trade pressure.

Staff Writer
Emirates SkyCargo
Image: Emirates SkyCargo

Article summary

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Dubai Customs and Emirates SkyCargo cleared over 82% more cargo through Dubai's two air freight hubs between January and May 2026, running 529 truck logistics trips to deliver essential goods across the Gulf as regional trade routes came under pressure.

Key points

  • Cargo volumes rose from 26.5m kg in January to 48.2m kg in May 2026
  • 529 truck trips moved 2,636 tonnes of essentials to GCC markets
  • Green Corridor and Shahin initiative fast-tracked food and pharma clearance

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Dubai Customs and Emirates SkyCargo have detailed a coordinated logistics operation that kept food, pharmaceuticals, and essential goods moving through Dubai International Airport’s Cargo Village and Maktoum International Airport’s Air Cargo Centre during a period of geopolitical disruption to regional supply chains.

Total imported goods cleared through both facilities climbed from 26,559,019 kilograms in January 2026 to 48,259,442 kilograms in May 2026, a rise of over 82 per cent.

Daily peak capacity moved in step, from 1,236,537 kilograms in January to 2,106,645 kilograms in May. By the end of May, support operations had included 529 truck logistics trips transporting 2,636 tonnes of essential goods, covering meat, pharmaceutical preparations, and general merchandise destined for Gulf markets.

Dubai Customs and Emirates SkyCargo build a regional supply bridge
Image: Supplied

Operationally, Dubai Customs expanded its use of the Green Corridor and the Shahin initiative, which created priority clearance lanes for critical cargo.

Teams worked continuously through the peak period, adding inspection windows, extending use of available terminal space, and expanding field inspection activity to cut congestion and keep processing times in check.

“What we are witnessing today is the result of the long-term vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which has made resilience, agility and preparedness defining strengths of Dubai’s economic model. Every challenge is an opportunity to demonstrate our efficiency and reinforce Dubai’s role as a trusted global trading hub. We will continue strengthening integration across the maritime, customs and logistics sectors, enhancing our readiness to respond to change, and ensuring Dubai remains a reliable gateway for global trade and resilient supply chains,” Abdulla bin Damithan, Chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation said in a statement.

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“Dubai’s ability to maintain trade flows and ensure the continuous delivery of vital goods amid the evolving regional and global environment is a testament to our leadership’s vision and sustained investment in building a world-class economic and logistics ecosystem distinguished by flexibility, readiness, and proactivity. What we have achieved demonstrates the strength of integration between government entities and strategic partners, and reaffirms Dubai’s ability to respond with agility while maintaining the uninterrupted movement of trade. We will continue advancing our digital solutions and smart services in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, further reinforcing the UAE’s position as a leading global gateway for trade,” Dr. Abdulla Busenad, Director General of Dubai Customs further explained.

“Dubai has once again demonstrated its exceptional ability to maintain the continuity of global trade movement, benefiting from advanced infrastructure, effective strategic partnerships, and an operational system distinguished by flexibility and high readiness. Close cooperation with Dubai Customs and relevant government agencies played a significant role in ensuring the continuous flow of vital shipments and expediting logistics operations to meet the needs of local, regional, and global markets. The results achieved further strengthen Dubai’s position as a global hub for air cargo and logistics, and demonstrate its ability to efficiently connect markets and continents in all circumstances. We continue to invest in smart solutions and expand our operational capabilities to support global trade growth and strengthen the resilience of future supply chains,” Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President at Emirates SkyCargo concluded.