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Cathay Cargo will restart its dedicated freighter operations to the Middle East from August 1, marking a significant step in restoring its regional air cargo network after months of disruption caused by geopolitical tensions. The Hong Kong-based carrier confirmed that freighter services to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will be the first to return, followed by the gradual reinstatement of passenger services to key destinations in September.
The resumption signals renewed confidence in regional aviation stability and is expected to strengthen cargo connectivity between Asia and the Gulf, a strategically important trade corridor for high-value, time-sensitive shipments. Riyadh serves as a key logistics gateway for Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East, supporting industries ranging from pharmaceuticals and electronics to automotive components and e-commerce.
Cathay Cargo had suspended its Middle East operations earlier this year amid escalating regional conflict and airspace restrictions, joining several international airlines that temporarily halted services to safeguard passengers, crew and cargo operations. As the security situation has gradually improved, airlines have begun restoring schedules while continuing to closely monitor developments.
Following the cargo relaunch, Cathay Pacific plans to resume daily passenger flights between Hong Kong and Dubai, alongside four weekly passenger services to Riyadh from September 1. These flights will also restore valuable belly-hold cargo capacity, further enhancing freight options for exporters and importers moving goods between Asia and the Middle East. Tickets for the passenger services are already available for booking.
The return of both freighter and passenger services is expected to provide greater flexibility for freight forwarders and shippers that have faced capacity constraints during the suspension period. The additional uplift will help improve supply chain resilience, reduce transit times and support growing demand across sectors such as perishables, healthcare products and cross-border e-commerce.
Cathay Cargo's decision also reflects the broader recovery of aviation services across the Middle East, with several global carriers progressively restoring operations as regional conditions stabilize. Industry observers believe the reopening of key air freight routes will improve network reliability and strengthen trade flows linking Asia, the Gulf and Europe.
By reintroducing dedicated freighter capacity to Riyadh, Cathay Cargo reinforces its commitment to supporting global supply chains while expanding connectivity across one of the world's fastest-growing logistics markets.
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Hong Kong Air Cargo has commenced dedicated freighter operations between Hong Kong and Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), becoming the first international carrier to launch freighter services from Mumbai’s new airport. The new service began on 16 August 2026 and will operate three times a week using an Airbus A330-200F. The aircraft can carry approximately 60 tonnes of import and export cargo, resulting in six weekly cargo movements between Hong Kong and Navi Mumbai. The launch marks a significant milestone for Hong Kong Air Cargo, Aeroprime Group and NMIA, while strengthening India’s international air cargo connectivity. The service is also part of NMIA’s broader international cargo expansion programme, under which 13 new freighter services are expected to be introduced. Aeroprime Group, Hong Kong Air Cargo’s Cargo GSSA in Mumbai, played a key role in coordinating the commercial, operational and regulatory requirements for the launch. The company worked closely with Hong Kong Air Cargo, NMIA and various regulatory stakeholders to facilitate the commencement of operations. Abhishek Goyal, Executive Director, Aeroprime Group, described the launch as a landmark achievement, highlighting the extensive planning, coordination and regulatory engagement required to establish the first international freighter operation from NMIA. Raymond Chen, Vice President, Commercial, Hong Kong Air Cargo, said the new service represents an important milestone in the airline’s India growth strategy. He also highlighted the collaboration between the airline, Aeroprime Group, airport authorities and regulatory teams. The new operation is expected to leverage Navi Mumbai’s strategic location to provide customers with enhanced cargo connectivity to Hong Kong and international markets. It further strengthens NMIA’s position as an emerging international air cargo gateway while expanding Hong Kong Air Cargo’s footprint in India’s growing aviation and logistics sector. NMIA began its dedicated freighter operations earlier this month, with IndiGo Cargo launching a service to Sharjah on 1 August. The flight carried 20 tonnes of cargo and marked the airport’s first dedicated freighter service. For Aeroprime Group, the latest launch underscores its role in supporting airlines with market entry, regulatory facilitation, commercial planning, operational execution and network expansion. The development comes as India’s air cargo sector continues to strengthen its role in global trade and logistics. At the 7th Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) World Conclave 2026, ACFI signed two MoUs, a Letter of Intent and a strategic partnership aimed at further supporting the country’s air cargo ecosystem. The latest freighter launch is expected to contribute to the continued growth of Navi Mumbai as an important cargo gateway and enhance trade links between India, Hong Kong and wider global markets. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates
Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Air has commenced daily flights between Riyadh and Mumbai, marking its entry into the Indian market while adding new air cargo capacity to one of the region's busiest trade corridors. The new Boeing 787-9 service is designed to support both passenger travel and belly-hold freight, strengthening commercial links between India and Saudi Arabia. The Mumbai route forms part of Riyadh Air's international network expansion as the airline continues to build connectivity across South Asia. The carrier is also scheduled to introduce additional services to Dhaka, Islamabad and Lahore during August, further extending its regional footprint. For the air cargo sector, the new service increases available capacity for shipments moving between the two countries. The daily widebody operation is expected to benefit industries that rely on time-sensitive logistics, including pharmaceuticals, perishables, engineering products, e-commerce and high-value manufacturing goods. India and Saudi Arabia have witnessed steady growth in bilateral trade in recent years, driving demand for additional passenger and cargo connectivity. Mumbai, one of India's largest commercial and logistics hubs, is expected to serve as a key gateway for freight moving between South Asia, the Middle East and onward international markets. The launch also aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader aviation strategy to position Riyadh as a global air transport hub by expanding international connectivity and increasing cargo handling capacity. For Indian exporters and freight forwarders, the additional daily service provides greater scheduling flexibility and network options for shipments destined for Saudi Arabia and other markets accessible through Riyadh. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
Saudia Cargo and Riyadh Cargo announced the signing of an interline agreement that will strengthen cargo connectivity, expand network reach, and provide customers with greater access to international markets via Saudi Arabia. The agreement brings together the complementary strengths of both carriers, combining Saudia Cargo’s established cargo presence and expertise with Riyadh Cargo’s expanding global network and digitally native operating model. The arrangement will also support the continued expansion of Riyadh Cargo’s network beyond current direct services to London, Dubai, Cairo, Jeddah, Madrid, and Malaga, while strengthening connectivity to upcoming destinations including Mumbai, Kuala Lumpur, and Dhaka. This collaboration supports Riyadh Cargo long-term ambition to serve more than 100 global destinations by 2030. Eng. Mansour Alasmi, VP - Network & Revenue, Saudia Cargo, praised this collaboration stating: “By combining Saudia Cargo's established expertise and global capabilities with Riyadh Cargo's future ambitions, we will provide our customers with more integrated solutions to facilitate trade. This aligns with our joint efforts to transform the Kingdom into a premier global logistics hub, while driving sustainable growth for both organizations. Pravin Singh, VP - Cargo, Riyadh Air, said, “As Riyadh Air builds a global airline from the heart of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh Cargo has a clear ambition to become a modern, digitally enabled, and reliable cargo business serving customers across key international markets. This agreement supports that ambition by extending our reach, opening new trade opportunities, and helping position Riyadh as an important gateway in the future of global logistics.” Hence, by expanding available cargo capacity and improving the flow of goods across international markets, the agreement will give freight forwarders and logistics partners more efficient and reliable cargo solutions, while extending both carriers’ network reach beyond their own operations. The partnership also supports Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a leading global logistics hub, in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030 by strengthening the Kingdom’s global connectivity and reinforcing Riyadh and Jeddah as complementary gateways for trade. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
