Emirates SkyCargo Expands Freighter Services Between Europe and Global Markets

...New weekly charter flights boost trade between Milan and Southeast China

Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo division of the world’s largest international airline, has expanded its freighter operations across Europe, strengthening connections with key points on its global network. Strategically located between East and West, Emirates SkyCargo plays a vital role in facilitating global trade with speed, efficiency, and reliability.

Starting in Q3 2025, Emirates SkyCargo will deploy two additional weekly charter freighters to enhance trade between Milan and Southeast China via Dubai. Key exports from Milan are expected to include fashion, pharmaceuticals, and general cargo.

In a further boost to regional connectivity, the weekly freighter route linking Dubai World Central (DWC), Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST), and Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ) will now include a new stop in Beirut (BEY) before returning to Dubai. This addition aims to strengthen trade ties with the Levant.

Maastricht, one of Europe’s busiest cargo hubs, will continue to act as a gateway for general cargo and pharmaceuticals, commodities that Emirates SkyCargo expects to move in large volumes to Beirut. Similarly, Zaragoza Airport, known for its robust rail and road links to Spain’s major industrial regions, will now provide more direct routes for fashion and apparel shipments destined for Beirut.

Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo, said, “Harnessing the power and connectivity of Emirates’ global network, a fleet [of] over 260 passenger and freighter aircraft, and a multi-vertical portfolio of specialist logistics solutions, we have the scale and flexibility to keep trade flowing, even in the face of market instability.

“As we receive our new Boeing 777 freighters, we are deploying them quickly and strategically to serve the unwavering demand across our network. Whether by layering on frequencies or adding new route stops, we will continue to evolve our operations, schedule and network in line with global trade patterns, to ensure we provide an unbeatable service to our customers.”

Emirates SkyCargo currently serves more European destinations than any other region on its global network. This includes two cargo-only destinations, with support from passenger services to 40 additional European cities. The airline operates 45 weekly freighter flights and 545 passenger flights across Europe, enabling fast and efficient cargo movement worldwide.

In the last financial year, Emirates SkyCargo moved an average of 6,900 tonnes of goods weekly from Europe. Shipments included pharmaceuticals from Denmark and Belgium, perishables like fresh salmon from Norway, whisky from Glasgow, valuables from Geneva, and automotive parts from Frankfurt. General cargo also made up a significant portion of exports. Of this volume, 43% was delivered to the UAE and the Middle East, while 32% was transported to the Far East and Australasia, underscoring the airline’s role in connecting European businesses with global markets.