South Africa Air Freight Market (2025 - 2030)

South Africa Air Freight Market Summary

The South Africa air freight market size was estimated at USD 3,223.1 million in 2024, and is projected to reach USD 5,760.4 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.7% from 2025 to 2030. The growth of the South Africa air freight market is primarily influenced by factors such as increasing e-commerce and retail demand, which is driving higher volumes of air shipments, and expansion of manufacturing and industrial exports, boosting the need for faster cargo transport.

An emerging opportunity lies in the rising adoption of cold chain logistics and temperature-sensitive shipping, creating growth prospects in pharmaceuticals and perishable goods. However, infrastructure limitations and airport congestion pose challenges, potentially affecting timely cargo delivery and operational efficiency. South Africa’s booming e‑commerce ecosystem is a major driver behind rising air freight volumes. In 2024, online retail in the country grew by 35%, reaching about USD 5.5 billion, and this trend continues into 2025 at an annualized growth rate of 38%. This surge is being fuelled by strong digital adoption across major retail categories such as groceries, fashion, health and beauty, and rapid investment by large retailers like Shoprite, Pick n Pay, and Woolworths. At the same time, increased air connectivity, especially international flights from Cape Town, has expanded belly-cargo capacity, enabling more high-value, time-sensitive e-commerce goods to be shipped by air. The growth of mobile payment solutions and same-day delivery services is further accelerating online purchases, creating higher demand for reliable air freight solutions. As consumer expectations rise, logistics providers are increasingly adopting advanced tracking and warehousing technologies to meet fast delivery requirements.

The expansion of South Africa’s manufacturing and industrial exports is driving demand for faster air freight logistics. Industries such as automotive, electronics, and chemicals are increasingly relying on air transport to meet tight delivery schedules and maintain global supply chain efficiency. For example, South Africa’s automotive sector, which exports vehicles and components to Europe and Asia, often uses air freight for urgent parts and high-value shipments to avoid production delays. Similarly, high-tech electronics and pharmaceutical products require quick, reliable shipping to preserve quality and meet regulatory timelines. This growing need for speed and reliability in exports is encouraging logistics providers to enhance their air cargo networks, invest in advanced tracking systems, and offer dedicated express services. As a result, faster logistics solutions are becoming integral to sustaining the country’s industrial competitiveness and export growth.

A key opportunity in the South Africa air freight market lies in the rising adoption of cold chain logistics for pharmaceuticals, perishable foods, and other temperature-sensitive goods. With increasing demand for fresh produce, vaccines, and medical supplies both domestically and internationally, specialized air freight services that maintain strict temperature controls are becoming essential. Companies that invest in refrigerated storage, temperature-monitored containers, and rapid handling processes can tap into this growing segment. For instance, the pharmaceutical industry increasingly relies on air shipments to ensure timely delivery of vaccines and biologics to hospitals and clinics. Expanding cold chain capabilities not only supports public health and food security but also opens new revenue streams for air cargo operators, positioning them to capitalize on high-value, time-sensitive shipments.

Many airports, including OR Tambo and Cape Town International, face limitations in cargo handling capacity, runway availability, and storage facilities, especially during peak seasons. Congestion on aprons and at customs clearance points leads to delays, increasing the risk of spoilage for perishable goods and affecting the reliability of time-sensitive shipments. Limited investment in modern cargo terminals and insufficient integration between road and air logistics further exacerbate the issue. Thus, air freight operators must navigate operational bottlenecks, higher turnaround times, and increased costs, which can hinder growth and reduce competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.

Service Insights

Based on service, the freight segment dominated the South Africa air freight market in 2024. This segment includes the transportation of cargo, goods, and commodities by air. The South Africa freight segment dominated the air freight market in 2024, driven by growing industrial and manufacturing exports requiring faster delivery, increasing demand from the e-commerce and retail sectors, and the expansion of cold chain logistics for pharmaceuticals and perishable goods.

The express segment is expected to experience substantial growth over the forecast period, driven by rising e-commerce deliveries and same-day shipping demands. For example, South African courier services including Fastway and DHL have expanded express networks to meet growing online retail orders.

Destination Insights

Based on destination, the international segment dominated the South Africa air freight market in 2024. This segment includes air freight shipments between South Africa and other countries. The international segment dominated the South Africa air freight market in 2024, driven by strong demand for exports from the automotive and manufacturing sectors, and increasing e-commerce shipments to global markets. For example, South African wine and agricultural products are frequently shipped via air to Europe and Asia, ensuring timely delivery and quality preservation.

The domestic segment is expected to experience substantial growth over the forecast period, driven by rising intra-country e-commerce demand and faster delivery requirements for industrial and retail goods. For example, South African Airways Cargo and CemAir have expanded domestic routes to support growing shipments between Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.

End Use Insights

Based on commercial, the freight segment dominated the South Africa air freight market in 2024. This segment includes transportation of goods across sub-segments such as retail and e-commerce, manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, perishable goods, and others. The segment dominated the South Africa air freight market in 2024, driven by expanding manufacturing and industrial exports, rapid growth of e-commerce and online retail, and increasing demand for perishable goods and pharmaceuticals requiring cold chain logistics. In South Africa, major exporters such as the automotive sector and the wine industry rely on air freight to reach international markets efficiently, ensuring timely delivery and maintaining product quality.

The private segment is expected to experience substantial growth over the forecast period. This segment includes air freight services for individual clients, high-net-worth shipments, and specialized cargo not linked to commercial operations. The private segment is expected to experience substantial growth over the forecast period, driven by increasing demand for personalized logistics solutions, urgent deliveries, and high-value goods. For example, South African private charter services including ExecuJet and SA Airlink Cargo cater to luxury goods and urgent private shipments.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Some of the key companies in the South Africa air freight industry include CEVA Logistics, DB Schenker, DSV, DHL International /DHL Global Forwarding, Kuehne + Nagel, Rhenus Group, UPS, GEODIS, FedEx, and Nippon Express. The key participants focus on adopting strategies such as service differentiation, inclusion of customization and personalization in service offerings, and improved customer assistance to address growing competition.

• CEVA Logistics offers integrated air, sea, and road freight services. The company serves diverse industries, including e-commerce, automotive, manufacturing, and perishable goods, with a focus on time-sensitive and high-value shipments. CEVA leverages advanced supply chain technologies, including real-time tracking and cargo management systems, to ensure reliability and efficiency. Their South African operations include warehousing, customs handling, and specialized solutions for temperature-sensitive products, making them a preferred partner for businesses seeking faster delivery and optimized logistics. CEVA’s capabilities support the country’s growing exports and domestic distribution networks.

• DB Schenker operates extensively in South Africa, providing comprehensive air freight services alongside sea and road logistics. The company caters to sectors such as manufacturing, automotive, pharmaceuticals, and retail, offering solutions for both domestic and international shipments. DB Schenker focuses on end-to-end supply chain management, including customs clearance, warehousing, and value-added services. Their South African operations are equipped with dedicated cargo facilities and advanced tracking systems, ensuring fast and reliable delivery. By supporting time-sensitive and high-value goods

Recent Developments

• In May 2025, DSV completed its full acquisition of DB Schenker for ~USD 15.5 billion (EUR 14.3 billion), creating a world-leading logistics player. The combined operations strengthen global air and sea freight networks, expertise, and service offerings. In South Africa, this integration enhances capacity, operational efficiency, and industry-specific solutions for sectors including e-commerce, automotive, and manufacturing.

• In July 2024, CEVA Logistics integrated Bolloré Logistics, boosting its air and ocean freight capabilities. The move strengthens its global, product-driven organization while enhancing local operations in South Africa, supporting sectors like e-commerce, automotive, and perishables. Combined Air and Ocean operations and CargoWise technology enable faster, more efficient, and reliable handling of time-sensitive and high-value shipments.

• In June 2023, Kuehne + Nagel acquired Morgan Cargo, a leading South African freight forwarder specializing in perishable goods. The acquisition strengthens Kuehne + Nagel’s cold-chain and perishables network, improving connectivity for customers to and from South Africa, the UK, and Kenya. It enhances local air and sea freight capacity while expanding services for time-sensitive shipments.

South Africa Air Freight Market