Egypt Air Freight Market Analysis: Industry Overview, Key Players & Growth Outlook

According to IMARC Group's latest research publication, Egypt air freight market size reached USD 958.20 Million in 2024. The market is projected to reach USD 1,717.61 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 6.01% during 2025-2033.

How AI is Reshaping the Future of Egypt Air Freight Market

• Automated Customs Classification and Valuation: Egypt's Customs Authority deployed AI-powered classification systems to accelerate cargo clearance, reduce manual analysis errors, and strengthen governance through real-time pre-registration and automated duty calculations.

• Predictive Analytics for Route Optimization: AI algorithms analyze flight data, fuel consumption patterns, and traffic volumes to optimize cargo routing, reducing turnaround times by 30 minutes per flight and lowering operational costs significantly.

• Digital Freight Platforms for Real-Time Tracking: AI-driven platforms enable instant shipment visibility through API integration with carrier systems, automated document reading, and electronic messaging that prepopulates transport management systems, eliminating data duplication.

• Cold-Chain Monitoring for Pharmaceuticals: Machine learning sensors continuously monitor temperature-sensitive cargo like vaccines and biologics, triggering instant alerts for deviation while maintaining compliance logs, ensuring product integrity from origin to destination.

• Demand Forecasting and Capacity Planning: Advanced analytics predict cargo volumes based on e-commerce trends, seasonal fluctuations, and trade patterns, enabling airlines to optimize belly-hold capacity allocation and freighter deployment across high-demand trade lanes.

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How Vision 2030 is Revolutionizing Egypt Air Freight Industry

Egypt Vision 2030's infrastructure modernization strategy is transforming air freight into a regional logistics powerhouse. Massive investments totaling over EGP 1.2 trillion in transport infrastructure include Cairo International Airport cargo terminal expansions, the new Ras El Hekma airport development, and Cairo Cargo City—a 191,000-square-meter facility processing 290,000 tonnes annually. The government allocated USD 9.86 billion specifically for transport sector strengthening, targeting 15% annual infrastructure investment increases through green public investment initiatives. Digital transformation programs have revolutionized customs through the mandatory Air Cargo Pre-Registration system launching nationwide, the expanded Nafeza electronic platform covering all trade flows, and instalment-based customs duties that streamline clearance processes. These reforms align with Egypt's goal to become Africa's second-largest air cargo market and a tri-continental logistics hub connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa under sustainable development principles.

Egypt Air Freight Market Trends & Drivers

Egypt's air freight sector is experiencing robust expansion powered by strategic infrastructure investments and fleet modernization initiatives. Cairo Cargo City, inaugurated beside Cairo International Airport, provides cutting-edge import-export logistics capabilities with capacity for 290,000 tonnes yearly. EgyptAir's aggressive fleet expansion saw the airline order six additional Airbus A350-900 aircraft, bringing the total to 16 planes, specifically targeting long-haul cargo and passenger routes. The carrier is converting existing aircraft into dedicated freighters to capture growing cargo demand. Ground handling enhancements, expanded warehousing facilities, and improved logistics corridors are accelerating freight throughput. Cairo International Airport ranks as Africa's second-busiest cargo hub, accounting for 15% of continental air freight. Meanwhile, the government's plan to boost port capacity from 120 million to 370 million tonnes creates multimodal synergies that strengthen air-sea connectivity for time-sensitive shipments moving through Egypt's strategic Mediterranean-Red Sea corridor.

E-commerce explosion and pharmaceutical cold-chain requirements are reshaping cargo composition and service standards across Egypt's air freight network. Online shopping penetration is driving lightweight consumer electronics imports from European hubs, with domestic CEP operators adding automated sorters and real-time tracking APIs. The OTC pharmaceuticals market alone is expanding rapidly, boosting demand for temperature-controlled air freight with IAG Cargo reporting 22% year-over-year tonnage increases for cold-chain products. Airlines are deploying belly-hold capacity specifically for high-value, time-sensitive goods like electronics, perishables, and medical supplies. Express air freight services are proliferating to meet just-in-time delivery expectations from automotive, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors. Urban logistics hubs in Cairo and Alexandria are incorporating dedicated last-mile bays into mixed-use developments, easing curbside congestion. Digital freight booking platforms with 360-degree shipment visibility, instant financing approvals, and blockchain-verified documentation are attracting international shippers previously deterred by opacity and processing delays.

Regulatory reforms and sustainability initiatives are accelerating market professionalization and global competitiveness. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly's comprehensive customs reform package introduced instalment-based duties, digital payment systems, expanded Authorised Economic Operator participation, and pre-clearance protocols that slash processing times. The Nafeza platform digitized exporter-importer registration, reducing reconciliation lags and smuggling risks through transparent, trackable documentation. Egypt's commitment to sustainable aviation is evidenced by EgyptAir's fuel-efficient A350 orders and partnerships like the Egyptair Cargo-Unilode Aviation Solutions agreement for digital ULD management across 170,000 units globally. This partnership provides electronic tracking, sustainability-focused solutions, and global network access that strengthen operational efficiency. The Air Cargo Pre-Registration system, launching fully nationwide, automates pre-arrival procedures to ensure governance and transparency. These reforms align with Egypt's broader Vision 2030 objectives around innovation, digitalization, and environmental responsibility, positioning the nation as a competitive tri-continental air cargo gateway.

Market Segmentation

Service Type

• Freight

• Express

• Mail

• Others

Destination

• Domestic

• International

End-User

• Private

• Commercial

Regional Coverage

• Greater Cairo

• Alexandria

• Suez Canal

• Delta

• Others

Recent News and Developments

• October 2024: Egyptair Cargo signed a long-term agreement with Unilode Aviation Solutions for full-service ULD (Unit Load Device) management. This partnership strengthens Unilode's presence in Africa and adds Egyptair Cargo to its global ULD pool of over 170,000 units, supporting expansion and operational efficiency through digitalized ULD tracking, global network access, and sustainability-focused solutions.
• June 2025: EgyptAir ordered six additional Airbus A350-900 aircraft, bringing its total fleet to 16 planes, to meet rising long-haul travel and cargo demand while modernizing operations. The airline aims to expand its network and support sustainable aviation with fuel-efficient aircraft, enhancing Egypt's air transport capabilities and international reach.
• March 2025: Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly led a high-level meeting outlining comprehensive customs facilitation and regulatory measures, including instalment-based customs duties, pre-clearance protocols, digital payment systems, and expanded logistics services. Reforms aim to streamline clearance, reduce smuggling, and modernize processes through digitization, with expanded Authorised Economic Operator participation.
• December 2024: Egypt's Customs Authority announced the mandatory nationwide rollout of the Air Cargo Pre-Registration (ACI) system for all air shipments, automating pre-arrival procedures to accelerate clearance, enhance transparency, and ensure the highest governance standards throughout the cargo handling process.

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