Air Cargo Rates Climb as Capacity Strains Widen: Supply Lines

Air cargo rates are climbing and ocean container networks are showing signs of stress amid mounting capacity constraints during the first week of the US and Israel’s war with Iran.

According to the Freightos Air Index, rates to Europe from Southeast Asia have risen more than 6% to $3.82 per kilogram since last Friday — the day before the bombing started. Mideast-to-Europe rates increased 8% to $1.62 a kilo, and China-to-US prices jumped 15% to $6.90.

The price pressure stems from airspace that remains closed around the Persian Gulf region, leaving Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad providing limited ...