The impact of COVID-19 on airfreight
“Air cargo demand is still down 6.6 per cent compared to the previous year, however we are seeing continuing month-on-month improvements. Severe capacity constraints persist as large parts of the passenger fleet remain grounded. This will put pressure on the industry as it gears up to deliver vital COVID-19 vaccines,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.
It is expected that airfreight cost will continue to be high even once passenger flights start operating again and will remain so until its traffic levels return to pre-crisis levels.
Embargos lifted
Qatar
The UAE has resumed trade relations with Qatar with effect from January 9, 2021.
- Direct shipping by air, sea and land is expected to start once Qatari customs completes system integration
Israel
The trade ban between the UAE and Israel has been lifted since October 1, 2020
- Airfreight is now available
- DHL has started courier services
- Maersk Line has started sea freight services to Israeli ports; Haifa and Ashdod
