Global air cargo demand increased 3.9% year on year in July 2026, with airlines in Africa recording the weakest regional growth, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

African carriers saw cargo demand rise just 1.1%, while their capacity expanded 4.1% compared with July 2025, leaving capacity growth well ahead of demand.

Worldwide demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTK), grew 3.9%, while available capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTK), increased 1.7%. International cargo demand rose 4.7%.

“Air cargo demand grew 3.9% year-on-year in July. While all regions recorded growth, airlines in Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America accounted for more than 90% of the overall increase,” said Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s Senior Vice President Sustainability and Chief Economist.

She noted that dedicated freighters increased their market share as belly-hold cargo traffic declined, potentially reflecting stronger demand for larger or specialised shipments and the greater operational flexibility offered by freighter aircraft.

Thomsen said the outlook remains broadly positive, supported by manufacturing activity, export orders and global trade, but warned that higher fuel prices, geopolitical tensions and uncertainty surrounding tariffs could pose challenges.

Africa-Asia cargo trade weakens

Despite the overall increase in African airlines’ cargo demand, trade between Africa and Asia deteriorated sharply in July.

The Africa-Asia trade lane contracted 14.7% year on year, marking its second consecutive monthly decline. The route represented 1.3% of global industry market share based on full-year 2025 CTKs.

Other trade corridors linked to the Gulf also recorded significant declines. Cargo traffic between Europe and the Middle East fell 16.1%, while the Middle East-Asia market dropped 14.1%.

In contrast, the Asia-North America corridor expanded 9.2%, extending its growth streak to six consecutive months. Intra-Asian cargo demand increased 6.1%, marking the lane’s 33rd consecutive month of growth.

Fuel prices emerge as a growing concern

Air cargo conditions remained supported by broader economic activity, although rising fuel prices and geopolitical risks could create additional pressure.

Global trade grew 7.5% year on year, while manufacturing activity continued to support cargo demand despite a modest slowdown in June. Export orders also reached their strongest level in three months.

The Global Manufacturing Output Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) declined 0.3 points to 52.7, while the New Export Orders Index climbed to 50.0.

Jet fuel prices, meanwhile, increased 12.2% month on month in July and were 56.9% higher than a year earlier.

North America leads regional growth

North American airlines posted the strongest regional increase in cargo demand, with growth of 4.8% year on year.

European carriers followed with 4.4%, while airlines in the Asia-Pacific and Latin America and Caribbean regions each recorded 4.1% growth.

Middle Eastern carriers reported a 1.7% increase, while African airlines ranked last with 1.1%.

Capacity growth varied considerably across regions. Latin American and Caribbean carriers expanded capacity by 7.0%, followed by African airlines at 4.1%, Middle Eastern carriers at 4.0%, Asia-Pacific carriers at 3.0% and European airlines at 1.3%.

North American carriers were the only regional group to reduce capacity, cutting available cargo capacity by 1.5% year on year.

IATA said the global air cargo outlook remains generally positive, supported by manufacturing, export orders and continued growth in global trade. However, fuel costs, geopolitical tensions and tariff uncertainty remain key risks for the sector.

Source: ZAWYA

King Abdulaziz International Airport has received two international accreditations from Airports Council International (ACI) World, strengthening its recognition for passenger experience, public health and operational readiness.

The airport was awarded the Level 4 Airport Customer Experience (CX) Accreditation and Public Health and Safety Readiness (PHSR) Accreditation during an event in Istanbul, Türkiye.

The Level 4 CX Accreditation places King Abdulaziz International Airport among the top 12 airports worldwide to achieve the distinction under ACI World’s Airport Customer Experience Accreditation programme. Jeddah Airports (JEDCO) CEO Mazen Johar received the accreditation on behalf of the airport.

The assessment covered eight areas, including customer understanding, strategy, measurement, operational improvement, governance, airport culture, service design and innovation, and collaboration across the airport community.

The PHSR Accreditation recognizes the airport’s preparedness in public health and safety and its compliance with internationally recognized standards.

JEDCO said the two accreditations reflect its continued efforts to improve passenger services, strengthen customer experience and adopt global best practices. The initiatives also aim to enhance coordination among the different organizations operating at the airport, supporting a smoother and more innovative passenger journey.

Source: SPA

Travellers from seven countries outside Saudi Arabia’s standard tourist e-visa system can now arrange travel packages and apply for entry permits through Webook.com, the digital ticketing and booking platform announced.

The new service is available to citizens of India, Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Mexico. Licensed by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism, Webook.com combines return flights, hotel accommodation, health insurance and a Saudi package visa into a single online booking.

The service operates under a pilot programme launched by the ministry in July in partnership with the Saudi Tourism Authority. Webook.com submits applications directly to government authorities for verification, with electronic visas typically issued within 24 hours and sent by email and through the platform’s mobile application.

Previously, travellers from the seven countries generally had to apply through a Saudi embassy or third-party agencies. The new system allows applicants to select their travel arrangements online, provide the required information and wait for electronic approval.

Eligible packages must include a confirmed return flight and accommodation at a four-star or higher hotel licensed by the Ministry of Tourism. The booking must have a minimum value of SR4,000 ($1,067), in addition to a combined visa and health insurance charge of SR402.21 ($107).

The package visa permits stays ranging from two to 90 days. A single application can cover up to nine adults and five minors. All bookings must be completed at least 48 hours before departure, while visa approval remains subject to the relevant government authorities.

“Saudi Arabia is building an events calendar the whole world is meant to attend,” said Nadeem Bakhsh, co-founder and CEO of Webook.com. “Selling tickets to that calendar was step one. Being licensed to get international fans through the airport is step two.”

Webook.com sells tickets for major Saudi events, including Roshn Saudi League matches and Riyadh Season. The platform has attracted more than 18 million users across 180 countries and processed over 25 million bookings during the past year.

More nationalities are expected to become eligible for the package visa as the programme expands.

Source: Arab News

An underground dam located about 54 kilometres south of Turabah Governorate is emerging as a peaceful destination for visitors drawn to nature and outdoor activities.

Situated along Wadi Turabah, one of the governorate’s prominent valleys, the site features a distinctive landscape shaped over time by seasonal floods and rugged terrain. Slopes, riverbanks, rock formations, water and native vegetation combine to create a scenic natural environment.

The area has also become a refuge for birds and local wildlife. Water retained around the dam supports native plant growth, adding to the site’s environmental significance alongside its recreational appeal.

During weekends, residents and visitors head to the area to enjoy activities including walking, relaxing beside the valley, exploring the surrounding landscape and photographing the scenery.

Tour guide Adel Al-Baqmi told the Saudi Press Agency that the dam has attracted both residents and visitors because of its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty.

With its combination of biodiversity, distinctive terrain and opportunities for relaxation, birdwatching and photography, the underground dam is developing into an important eco-tourism attraction in Turabah, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the area’s natural landscapes away from urban life.

Source: SPA

Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), a wholly owned subsidiary of Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), has announced the opening of SEVEN Tabuk, expanding its entertainment network and supporting the Kingdom’s quality-of-life and regional development goals under Saudi Vision 2030.

SEVEN Chairman Abdullah Al Dawood said the opening represents another step in the company’s strategy to develop accessible entertainment destinations that are closely connected to the communities they serve.

SEVEN Tabuk is the company’s second entertainment destination, following SEVEN Abha, as SEVEN continues its plans to establish destinations across Saudi Arabia.

Located within Tabuk city, the fully indoor, all-weather destination is designed for everyday entertainment, offering residents and visitors a wide range of activities without requiring long-distance travel.

The destination operates from 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on weekends and from 4:00 p.m. to midnight on weekdays, while Scene Cinemas operates daily from 4:00 p.m. until 3:30 a.m.

SEVEN Tabuk combines international attractions with locally developed concepts. Key offerings include Discovery Adventures, featuring immersive exploration-themed environments, and Hot Wheels E-Karting, an interactive karting experience inspired by the global brand.

The destination also features SEVEN’s homegrown concepts, including Kawaken, Kawaken Junior, GolFi, Cyber Bowling and Scene Cinemas, providing entertainment options for families, young people and a broad range of visitors.

Beyond entertainment, SEVEN Tabuk is expected to contribute to the city’s wider development by supporting local employment and strengthening partnerships with local businesses.

The opening further reinforces Tabuk’s position as an emerging leisure destination in northern Saudi Arabia while expanding access to entertainment experiences across the Kingdom.

Source: SPA