For logistics providers, Ramadan is more than just a seasonal uptick—it’s a period of complex operational challenges that demand strategic planning, efficiency, and precision.
As with any peak season, air cargo carriers must adapt their operations to meet heightened demand. This requires seamless coordination between airlines, ground handlers, customs authorities, and freight forwarders.
Yassine Berrada, Vice President Cargo at Royal Air Maroc, explained that Ramadan brings a noticeable shift in market demand, requiring flexibility across the supply chain: “We continuously optimise logistics planning, workflow management, and coordination with airport authorities and partners to ensure smooth deliveries. Shifts in working hours for key stakeholders require operational adjustments, but our well-established processes allow us to integrate these seamlessly.”
For Qatar Airways Cargo, agility is key to handling the seasonal surge. Mark Drusch, the airline’s Chief Officer Cargo, highlights that the company closely monitors capacity requirements and adjusts its network accordingly.
“To accommodate the extra tonnage, our teams collaborate across sales, network planning, and freighter operations. We either upgrade flights or add additional freighter rotations where necessary,” said Drusch.
Perishables dominate shipments
When it comes to the types of goods transported during Ramadan, food shipments dominate. Meat, fruits, vegetables, and dates—staples of Ramadan meals—are among the most commonly transported commodities.
“Demand patterns fluctuate throughout the year, but during this period, we see a clear spike in perishables,” said Berrada. “Advanced cold-chain logistics and expedited clearance procedures are essential to maintaining product integrity.”
For Qatar Airways Cargo, this means prioritising perishable shipments under its QFR (Quick Ramp Transfer) product, which ensures that goods remain temperature-controlled throughout the journey.
“Our shipments are booked under QFR and treated with the highest care at origin, in the hub, and at arrival. Refrigerated storage in Doha and a dedicated fleet of temperature-controlled trucks help maintain the quality and freshness of these products,” Drusch explains.
Halal compliance and special handling
Ensuring that food and pharmaceutical shipments comply with Halal standards is another critical factor. Many markets across the Middle East require strict certification and handling protocols for goods entering their supply chains.
“Halal compliance is determined by Middle East-based buyers who have stringent requirements for producers across our network,” explained Drusch. This means that cargo airlines must work closely with certified suppliers and follow all necessary regulations.
Despite the complexities of increased volumes and demand fluctuations, airlines insist that their well-honed logistics strategies prevent major disruptions.
“We do not see significant challenges in securing extra capacity from origin points,” says Drusch. However, high storage utilisation remains an ongoing consideration, particularly for perishable cargo.
At Royal Air Maroc Cargo, real-time monitoring and proactive space allocation ensure that the airline can flexibly respond to market needs.
“Thanks to our extensive network and experience, we ensure a smooth and reliable cargo service year-round, adapting to seasonal variations as needed,” said Berrada.
While Ramadan itself is a peak period, Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, brings a secondary surge in cargo demand.
“Ramadan is a period of consistent extra volumes every week, and as Eid approaches, we see even higher utilisation of our cold storage facilities,” explained Drusch.
This means that cargo teams must sustain operational efficiency throughout Ramadan and into the following weeks, ensuring that the supply chain remains uninterrupted.
