Dubai Customs and Emirates SkyCargo have implemented an integrated logistics system to support trade flows and the movement of essential goods across the emirate’s two main air cargo facilities.
The initiative, developed through a partnership between Dubai Customs and Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo division of Emirates Airline, covers operations at Dubai International Airport Cargo Village and the Maktoum International Airport Air Cargo Centre.
The integrated system is designed to accelerate customs clearance, increase cargo handling capacity, and facilitate the movement of food, pharmaceutical products, and other essential goods to local and regional markets.
Operational data released by Dubai Customs showed a significant increase in cargo volumes during the first five months of 2026.
Imported goods cleared through the two air cargo facilities increased from 26.56 million kilograms in January to 48.26 million kilograms in May, representing growth of more than 82 percent.
The maximum daily cargo handled also rose from 1.24 million kilograms in January to 2.11 million kilograms in May, reflecting higher operational capacity and the ability to accommodate growing demand while maintaining customs processing efficiency.
Dubai Customs stated that the integrated logistics operation extended beyond the domestic market by helping maintain the continuity of supply chains across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
During May alone, Dubai Customs and Emirates SkyCargo coordinated 529 truck movements, transporting approximately 2,636 tonnes of essential cargo, including food products, pharmaceutical supplies, and general merchandise, to regional markets.
The coordinated logistics operation established an efficient supply corridor that enabled the timely movement of essential goods despite evolving regional circumstances, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a regional logistics and distribution hub.
Abdulla bin Damithan, Chairman of the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, highlighted that Dubai’s logistics performance reflects the emirate’s long-term strategy of strengthening resilience, operational readiness, and integration across the ports, customs, and logistics sectors.
Dr. Abdulla Busenad, Director-General of Dubai Customs, emphasized that continued investment in advanced logistics infrastructure, digital solutions, and collaboration with strategic partners has enabled Dubai to maintain uninterrupted trade flows while responding efficiently to changing regional and global conditions.
Busenad added that these efforts support the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to further strengthen the emirate’s position as a global trade gateway.
Dubai Customs relied on several digital initiatives, including the Green Corridor and the Shahin initiative, to prioritize customs clearance for food, pharmaceutical products, and other essential shipments.
Customs inspection teams also operated around the clock to ensure uninterrupted operations.
Additional measures included expanding field inspection activities, increasing the use of available cargo terminal space, and opening additional inspection points to reduce congestion and accelerate cargo processing during peak periods.
Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President at Emirates SkyCargo, noted that the close coordination between Emirates SkyCargo, Dubai Customs, and other government entities helped maintain the continuous movement of vital shipments and improve logistics efficiency, further strengthening Dubai’s role as a global air cargo and logistics hub.
