Qatar Airways Cargo Resumes Freighter Operations to Vietnam

Qatar Airways Cargo has officially announced the gradual resumption of its freighter operations from its Doha hub, marking a significant recovery in air freight connectivity for global trade hubs, including Vietnam. Starting from March 21, the carrier has reinstated scheduled freighter flights to a diverse range of international destinations, providing much-needed capacity to shippers navigating the current complexities of the global supply chain.

Key Takeaways for Logistics Managers

• Resumption Date: Freighter operations to Vietnam and other key markets resumed on March 21.
• Global Capacity Recovery: Global air cargo capacity is now down only 7% year-on-year, a major improvement from the 21% decline seen earlier this month.
• Regional Disparities: While Asia-to-Europe capacity has surged by 37%, capacity to and from the Middle East remains significantly lower than last year.
• Operational Restrictions: Specific embargoes remain in place for live animals (except pets/horses to Doha), human organs, and Q-Prime urgent cargo.
• Surcharge Updates: Carriers like Oman Air Cargo are introducing fuel and war risk surcharges due to ongoing regional conflicts.

Qatar Airways Cargo Resumes Key Freighter Routes to Vietnam

The decision by Qatar Airways Cargo to resume freighter operations is a pivotal development for the Vietnamese export market. Following temporary authorization from the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA), the airline has established limited operating corridors to maintain essential trade links. The list of resumed destinations includes Vietnam, China, Thailand, South Korea, and several major hubs in Europe and the Americas, such as Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States.

This resumption is particularly vital for Vietnamese electronics and garment exporters who rely on consistent air freight capacity to reach Western markets. By reopening these corridors, Qatar Airways Cargo ensures that high-value goods can move through the Doha hub, even as the wider freighter network outside Doha continues to operate to maintain uninterrupted access to global trade lanes.

Analyzing the Recovery of Global Air Cargo Capacity

Recent data from industry consultant Rotate highlights a narrowing gap in global air cargo availability. Over the most recent weekend, global capacity was reported at 7% below the previous year’s levels. This represents a steady recovery compared to the 10% decline the week prior and the sharp 21% drop recorded at the beginning of March when regional conflicts first impacted flight paths.

As a company specializing in international freight forwarding, M.T.L Worldwide Transport closely monitors these capacity fluctuations to provide our clients with the most reliable routing options. The current trend suggests that while the industry is not yet back to full strength, the stabilization of freighter schedules is helping to mitigate the extreme shortages seen in early 2026.

The Shift in Trade Lane Dynamics: Asia to Europe

One of the most striking statistics in the current market is the 37% year-on-year increase in capacity on the Asia-to-Europe trade lane. This surge indicates that carriers are aggressively redirecting assets to bypass disrupted regions and meet the high demand for cargo space between manufacturing hubs in Asia and consumers in Europe. In contrast, capacity between Asia and the Middle East remains 28% lower than last year, while Middle East-to-Europe lanes have seen a 25% decline.

For procurement teams in Vietnam, this shift means that while direct routes through the Middle East may still face constraints, there is a significant increase in available space on alternative lanes. This allows for more flexibility in supply chain planning, though it requires careful coordination to manage the varying transit times and costs associated with these redirected flows.

Operational Constraints and Cargo Embargoes

Despite the resumption of flights, shippers must be aware of several operational constraints currently enforced by Qatar Airways Cargo. The airline has maintained embargoes on specific product categories to ensure safety and efficiency within the limited operating corridors. Currently, the transport of live animals is restricted, with the exception of pets and horses traveling specifically to and from Doha. Additionally, living human organs, blood, and the carrier’s Q-Prime urgent critical cargo service remain unavailable for booking.

All other standard cargo products remain available through normal sales channels, including the carrier’s Digital Lounge. Shippers are encouraged to verify their cargo types against these restrictions before booking to avoid delays at the terminal. Full flight operations are expected to resume only after the QCAA announces the safe and full reopening of Qatari airspace.

Strategic Outlook: Surcharges and Fleet Developments

The broader air cargo market continues to react to geopolitical pressures. Oman Air Cargo has recently introduced fuel and war risk surcharges, a move that reflects the increased operational costs of flying in the current environment. Meanwhile, major players like FedEx have reported that they do not expect a material impact on their fiscal performance despite these regional challenges, suggesting a level of resilience in the global logistics sector.

Furthermore, long-term capacity is being addressed through significant fleet investments. Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings has placed a substantial order for Airbus A350 freighters, and ten converted Airbus A330-300 freighters are being integrated into Amazon’s cargo operations via IAT Leasing. These developments point toward a future of increased efficiency and modernized capacity, which will eventually benefit exporters in Vietnam and beyond as the market stabilizes.