News

Transport update on the UAE logistics market for September 2025

As the school year resumed in the UAE, the impact was felt not only on city roads but also across the nation’s skies. Dubai International Airport (DXB) anticipated more than 3,5 million passengers in the second half of August alone, as families returned to the Emirates to prepare for the academic season. Against this backdrop of rising travel demand, the country’s leading carriers announced several important developments that will further strengthen the UAE’s position as a global aviation hub.

Emirates

Emirates announced that it will launch a fourth daily service between Dubai and London Gatwick starting 8 February 2026. The new flight, operated by the Airbus A350, will increase the airline’s UK operations to 140 weekly flights across eight key gateways: Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Etihad Airways

In August Etihad Airways reported strong operational results for July 2025, underscoring its momentum as one of the fastest-growing carriers in the region. The airline carried 2 million passengers, up 19% year-on-year, while maintaining a robust 90% load factor. The carrier’s fleet now totals 111 aircraft, serving 81 destinations, compared with 76 a year earlier. Year-to-date, Etihad welcomed 12,2 million passengers, a 17% increase versus the same period in 2024.

Air Arabia Group

In August, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi increased frequencies to Baku, Azerbaijan (six weekly flights) and Tbilisi, Georgia (eight weekly flights including double-daily service on Thursdays). These additions enhance connectivity between Abu Dhabi and two of the region’s most popular leisure destinations. Looking ahead, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi will also introduce seasonal winter flights to Yekaterinburg, Russia, commencing 27 October 2025 and running through 27 March 2026, with two weekly non-stop services.

UAE – Russia Tradelane overview

Air Freight

No significant changes have been observed on the UAE–Russia lane in the last few weeks. Although tourist traffic remains, it is far below seasonal peaks, allowing airlines to manage with narrow-body aircraft. Some carriers have reduced frequencies or suspended flights for the summer; however, small cargo shipments can still be transported on regular direct passenger flights operated by Russian airlines. Large cargo volumes continue to be moved through a charter program operating twice a week. The cost of shipping on such flights is USD 4–4,5 per kg.
In addition, various options remain available with international carriers: Emirates, Etihad, and Turkish Airlines.

Ocean Freight

In September, sea freight rates are expected to rise by an average of USD 250 per container. Equipment availability remains stable, though an oversupply of 20DC units at Jebel Ali has made this type particularly cost-effective. Overbooking continues in the export direction from Russia.
2025-09-06 18:00 Market update