World Cargo Symposium 2025 Opens In Dubai, Highlighting Growth And Challenges In Air Cargo

The 18th edition of the World Cargo Symposium 2025 started in Dubai on Tuesday, with Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, in attendance.

The event, organized by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), is taking place from April 15 to 17 in Dubai. Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, opened the forum with a keynote speech, where he highlighted that the air cargo industry is at a critical point.

While it is growing rapidly due to the rise in e-commerce and the need for fast logistics, the industry also faces challenges such as geopolitical issues, stricter regulations, and the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, WAM reported.

He mentioned that the UAE has led one of the most ambitious climate efforts in the global aviation sector, focusing on sustainable aviation fuel as a key environmental priority. He highlighted the launch of a national plan to produce 700 million liters of this fuel annually by 2030.

Al Marri also discussed the importance of digital transformation in the cargo sector, explaining how tools like artificial intelligence, predictive data analytics, and integrated logistics platforms are crucial for improving efficiency and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Brendan Sullivan, IATA's Global Head of Cargo, also spoke at the World Cargo Symposium in Dubai, highlighting the critical role air cargo plays in keeping global supply chains stable. He stressed the need to continue focusing on key customer needs, including safety, security, digital transformation, and sustainability.

IATA urged governments to do more to tackle illegal shippers and support the work of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in strengthening Annex 18 of the Chicago Convention, which sets the global rules for safely transporting dangerous goods by air.

IATA also called for a unified, risk-based approach to air cargo security, especially after recent incidents where incendiary devices were found in shipments.

While some countries have introduced new measures, the lack of coordination between them has caused inconsistent results, highlighting the need for coordinated responses based on international standards.

Sullivan emphasized that recent security incidents show the need for better coordination between governments. He stressed that aviation safety should not rely on fragmented measures, and global standards and cooperation are crucial for improving safety.

IATA urged countries to meet their obligations under Annex 17 by sharing accurate, timely intelligence to support risk assessments and decision-making. IATA called on governments to create policies to boost sustainable fuel production and lower costs.

Amid growing trade disruptions, IATA stressed the importance of trade for prosperity and warned that measures hindering the flow of goods negatively affect businesses, consumers, and the economy.