Air cargo capacity on one of the world's most vital trade routes has experienced a significant decline. This downturn is attributed to the ripple effects of Middle East airspace closures on global networks, with recent data indicating a fundamental change in the way freight is transported between Asia and Europe.

Consultancy firm Aevean reports that available cargo tonne kilometers (ACTK) on the Asia-Middle East-Europe corridor decreased by 26% over the past weekend compared to the previous one, as widespread Gulf airspace closures were implemented.

Simultaneously, direct...