Abu Dhabi Airports welcomes first direct cargo link to Northern Thailand with K-Mile Air as freighter network hits 36 destinations

• K‑Mile Air launches first direct air cargo link between Abu Dhabi and Northern Thailand
• Five weekly freighter flights to Chiang Mai (CNX) and Chiang Rai (CEI) expand AUH’s freight network to 36 destinations
• Daily cargo volumes at AUH grow by 18%, with freighter cargo increasing 119% versus baseline levels

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 7 May 2026: Abu Dhabi Airports has welcomed Thailand‑based all‑cargo carrier K‑Mile Air to Zayed International Airport (AUH), following the commencement of freighter operations from 4 May. The airline operates five weekly services using a Boeing 767 freighter to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) and Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI), establishing the first direct air cargo links between Abu Dhabi and northern Thailand and expanding AUH’s global freighter footprint to 36 destinations.

K‑Mile Air’s arrival comes amid a period of exceptional freight growth at AUH. Data from the most recent seven‑day reporting period shows average daily cargo throughput rising from 1,878 tonnes at the beginning of the year to 2,216 tonnes, representing an overall increase of 18%.

This growth is driven by strong demand for dedicated freighter services, with freighter cargo volumes increasing by 119% compared with baseline levels. Freighter cargo now accounts for 38% of total throughput, alongside a 42% rise in daily freighter movements, highlighting the agility and readiness of Abu Dhabi’s aviation and logistics infrastructure.

Freighter volumes arriving at AUH averaged 612 tonnes per day, reflecting growth of approximately 91% over the same period, while outbound volumes reached 239 tonnes per day, representing a 251% increase. Wide‑body freighter operations have also expanded by around 55%, reaching 17 movements per day as the airport scales up to support long‑haul cargo demand.

Ahmed Juma Al Shamisi, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “Our teams are playing a pivotal role in sustaining the flow of goods through Abu Dhabi and expanding the global reach of Zayed International Airport and Al Ain International Airport, which is rapidly developing into an important regional logistics hub. Despite a shifting global landscape, our freighter cargo volumes have more than doubled, reflecting our operational readiness and agility in scaling up to meet demand, and reinforcing the strength of our airports as reliable global trade gateways.”

In parallel with volume growth, Abu Dhabi Airports continues to expand its global footprint as its freighter network now serves 36 destinations. The addition of new cargo operators reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a preferred hub for global logistics integrators, supporting the UAE’s economic diversification and long‑term logistics ambitions.

This growth trend is further reflected in first‑quarter results, with total cargo tonnage across the Abu Dhabi Airports network increasing by 4.2% year‑on‑year to 171,794 tonnes. Dedicated freighter cargo at AUH rose by 11.4% to 58,128 tonnes, while Al Ain International Airport recorded a 45.9% year‑on‑year increase, underlining its growing importance as a regional logistics node.