Emirates SkyCargo drives UK export surge with 57,000+ tonnes and 1,000t of food to UAE in H1 2026
Emirates SkyCargo reported 11% annual growth in UK exports, moving more than 57,000 tonnes in 2025–26 and over 1,000 tonnes of British food to the UAE in the first half of 2026.
Emirates SkyCargo reported a marked increase in shipments from the United Kingdom, underlining its role in linking UK exporters to markets across the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Australasia. The carrier said it transported more than 57,000 tonnes of British exports in the 2025–26 financial year, an 11% rise on 2024–25, and moved over 1,000 tonnes of UK food product to the UAE during January–June 2026. Growth continued into the second quarter, with exports climbing a further 7% between April and June 2026 compared with the same period the previous year.
Annual freight performance and quarterly momentum
Emirates SkyCargo’s 57,000-tonne figure for the 2025–26 financial year reflects sustained demand for air freight services from the UK, the company said. The 11% year-on-year increase signals stronger commodity flows and higher utilisation of widebody capacity across its global network. The additional 7% uplift in April–June 2026 indicates that the momentum carried into the most recent quarter, supporting trade recovery trends observed in several sectors.
Specialist food exports and UAE-bound consignments
Retail and food exporters in the UK benefited from the carrier’s capacity and frequency, with Emirates SkyCargo facilitating shipments of high-value perishables and specialty produce. In the first half of 2026 the airline moved more than 1,000 tonnes of food from the UK to the UAE, the equivalent of ten fully loaded Boeing 777 freighters. Major consignments included over 1,500 tonnes of Scottish oysters, about 1,200 tonnes of smoked salmon and more than 250 tonnes of British strawberries, alongside over 150 tonnes of cheese and other chilled products.
Pharmaceutical and clinical trial logistics
Pharmaceutical shipments were a significant component of the H1 2026 volumes, according to the carrier. Emirates SkyCargo said it transported over 1,600 tonnes of medicines and more than 26 tonnes of clinical trial drugs during the six-month period, demonstrating its capacity to handle sensitive, time-critical healthcare consignments. The company highlighted temperature-control capabilities and tailored handling as key enablers for these flows to global research and healthcare markets.
Aerospace parts and engineered cargo boom
Logistics services for aviation and engineering sectors experienced exceptional growth early in 2026. Between January and June, Emirates SkyCargo moved roughly 570 tonnes of aircraft spare parts and aviation components from the UK to destinations in Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East. The specialist logistics solution for aviation parts recorded a rise exceeding 300% year‑on‑year in the same period, the carrier reported, reflecting increased aftermarket activity and demand for rapid parts delivery.
UK network and capacity from eight gateways
Emirates SkyCargo operates an extensive UK footprint, offering more than 140 weekly widebody flights from eight main gateways: Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Newcastle and Stansted. This network, the carrier said, enables direct access to fast‑growing markets and supports exporters with frequent connections and integrated logistics solutions. The broad UK coverage also facilitates consolidation of regional production and more efficient onward distribution to global end markets.
Industry perspective and operational priorities
Khawla Abdullah, vice president of commercial operations, cargo — Europe, said the strong growth in UK exports underscores the increasing importance of fast, reliable and interconnected logistics networks in supporting international trade. Emirates SkyCargo emphasised its role in linking UK and European businesses with buyers in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Australasia, offering door‑to‑door solutions that combine airlift capacity, temperature control and specialised handling. The carrier framed the results as evidence of the resilience and adaptability of air freight services amid changing trade patterns.
Emirates SkyCargo’s reported volumes reflect broader demand for speedy supply chains in time-sensitive sectors such as fresh food, pharmaceuticals and aerospace. Its investment in frequency, airport gateways and tailored logistics appears to have expanded export opportunities for UK producers seeking reliable access to distant markets.
Looking ahead, the carrier indicated it will continue to prioritise capacity, handling capabilities and network connectivity to accommodate expanding export flows. For UK exporters and logistics partners, sustained frequency from multiple gateways and specialised cargo solutions are likely to remain central to maintaining market access and meeting peak seasonal demands.