Iraq Air Freight Transport Market Size
| Study Period | 2020 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Historical Data Period | 2020 - 2023 |
| CAGR | 7.60% |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Iraq Air Freight Transport Market Analysis
The Iraq Air Freight Transport Market is expected to register a CAGR of 7.6% during the forecast period.
Iraq has a few key airports that handle air freight, including Baghdad International Airport, Basra International Airport, Erbil International Airport, and Sulaymaniyah International Airport. Notably, key players in Iraq, like Silkroad for Logistics Ltd, are stepping up and offering comprehensive air freight solutions. Silkroad's services are extended to all major Iraqi airports, including Erbil International Airport, Sulaimaniyah International Airport, and Baghdad International Airport.
Continued investments in airport infrastructure and cargo handling facilities are expected to improve capabilities and attract more air freight business in Iraq. For instance, in September 2023, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) inked a pivotal deal with the Iraqi government. This agreement aims to leverage private sector resources and expertise to revamp Iraq's primary airport, paving the way for increased private investments. As part of the deal, the IFC, a member of the World Bank, will spearhead a public-private partnership to revitalize, expand, fund, operate, and manage Baghdad International Airport, Iraq's largest international air hub.
Simultaneously, in September 2023, Iraq made significant strides in fortifying its trade supply chain security. The nation focused on mitigating risks associated with air cargo, all while ensuring the seamless flow of legitimate trade. To achieve this, Iraqi authorities collaborated with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to roll out the Passenger and Cargo Border Team (PCBT) Container Control Programme (CCP), in tandem with the World Customs Organizations (WCO). This collaboration led to the establishment of an Air Cargo Control Unit (ACCU) at Baghdad International Airport (BIA).
The future of Iraq's air freight transport market depends on ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, enhance security conditions, and streamline regulatory processes. As the Iraqi economy diversifies and international trade continues to expand, there is potential for sustained growth in demand for air freight services, particularly driven by sectors such as e-commerce, manufacturing, and perishable goods.
Iraq Air Freight Transport Market Trends
Growing International Trade Aggreements
Iraq is increasingly engaging in trade agreements with various countries and regions, which stimulates import and export activities. For instance, on April 17, 2024, Iraq, in a significant move, ratified the Singapore Convention, simplifying the enforcement of mediated settlement agreements. This step is poised to bolster Iraq's international trade and commerce. Iraq's participation in global trade necessitates efficient transportation of goods to and from international markets. Air freight provides a fast and reliable option, particularly for high-value, perishable, or time-sensitive goods such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and fresh produce.
In November 2023, the Iraqi government facilitated a collaborative agreement between the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This agreement aims to bolster aviation infrastructure and transport in Iraq. On the other hand, beyond traditional sectors like oil and gas, Iraq is diversifying its economy into areas such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services. These sectors often rely on air freight to access international markets for both raw materials and finished products. Hence, the demand for Iraq's international air freight transport is expected to grow.
Owing to the above points, Iraq's growing international trade agreements are significantly driving the demand for air freight transport, underscoring the need for robust aviation infrastructure and reliable logistics services.
E-commerce Surge in Iraq is Set to Propel Air Freight Transport Market Growth
According to data from Go Globe, the Iraqi e-commerce market surged by a notable 14.1% in 2023, surpassing the global growth rate of 9.6% for 2023. E-commerce customers expect shorter delivery times, often within days or even hours. Hence, air freight transport provides the speed needed to meet these expectations, especially for high-value or perishable goods.
Dnata, one of the largest air services providers in 2022, handled 20,000 tons of cargo in Iraq. Responding to escalating demand, Dnata inaugurated a new cargo warehouse in 2023, substantially bolstering its air cargo services in the region. In addition, Dnata's latest cool chain facility in Iraq, prioritizing pharmaceuticals and other perishables, has an annual processing capacity of 10,000 tons.
Online platforms are witnessing a surge in purchases, with cross-border e-commerce gaining momentum in Iraq. Orisdi, an e-commerce platform based in Iraq, exemplifies this trend. Specializing in products ranging from perfumes and cosmetics to appliances and electronics, Orisdi secured a significant bridge investment in August 2023. As online retail expands, e-commerce is poised to become a primary growth catalyst for Iraq's air freight industry. The escalating shipments, particularly via air freight, are set to underpin the growth trajectory of Iraq's air freight market in the coming years.
Iraq Air Freight Transport Industry Overview
The Iraq air freight market’s landscape is fragmented, with a mix of global and local players. Key players operating in the Iraq air freight transport market include Mateen Express, Daleel Al-Sahraa, United Trance, Crown Logistics Ltd, and Arch Star Global Logistics among others.
Iraq Air Freight Transport Market Leaders
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Mateen Express
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Daleel Al-Sahraa
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United Trance
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Crown Logistics Ltd
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Arch Star Global Logistics
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Iraq Air Freight Transport Market News
- June 2024: WebCargo by Freightos, a prominent digital platform for booking and payments in the global freight sector, unveiled its latest collaboration with Coyne Airways. Moreover, Coyne Airways became the pioneering carrier to enable the booking of hazardous goods through WebCargo by Freightos. Established in 1994, Coyne Airways has long been a pioneer in air cargo logistics, boasting a track record of moving around 300,000 tons of air freight. Notably, Coyne Airways has expanded its cargo routes to Iraq, the Caucasus, Afghanistan, and Sakhalin Island.
- May 2024: Ground handling giant Dnata said that it is gearing up for the aviation industry's future by unveiling cutting-edge digital and autonomous solutions. Among its pivotal tech initiatives, Dnata is spearheading the implementation of its digital cargo management system, OneCargo. This system not only integrates various physical technologies but also enhances customer visibility significantly. OneCargo made its debut in six countries, namely Iraq, Pakistan, Switzerland, the UAE, the USA, and Zanzibar (Tanzania).
Iraq Air Freight Transport Industry Segmentation
Air freight transport, synonymous with air cargo, refers to the transportation of goods via air carriers. Air freight transports goods quickly over long distances. Hence, air freight transport significantly reduces transit times, enabling businesses to meet even the tightest deadlines.
The Iraqi air freight transport market is segmented by service (Forwarding, Airlines, Mail, etc.), destination (Domestic and International), and carrier type (Belly Cargo and Freighter). The report offers market size and forecasts for the Iraqi air transport market in value (USD) for all the above segments.
| By Service | Forwarding |
| Airlines | |
| Other Services | |
| By Destination | Domestic |
| International | |
| By Carrier Type | Belly Cargo |
| Freighter |
| Forwarding |
| Airlines |
| Other Services |
| Domestic |
| International |
| Belly Cargo |
| Freighter |
Iraq Air Freight Transport Market Research FAQs
What is the current Iraq Air Freight Transport Market size?
The Iraq Air Freight Transport Market is projected to register a CAGR of 7.60% during the forecast period (2025-2030)
Who are the key players in Iraq Air Freight Transport Market?
Mateen Express, Daleel Al-Sahraa, United Trance, Crown Logistics Ltd and Arch Star Global Logistics are the major companies operating in the Iraq Air Freight Transport Market.
What years does this Iraq Air Freight Transport Market cover?
The report covers the Iraq Air Freight Transport Market historical market size for years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Iraq Air Freight Transport Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
Iraq Air Freight Transport Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Iraq Air Freight Transport market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Iraq Air Freight Transport analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
