Kamal Ghorui
As aviation disruptions ripple across parts of the Middle East, dedicated cargo flights are flying fresh fruits, vegetables and other perishable foods into the UAE to ensure supermarket shelves remain stocked. Retailers have begun arranging special shipments of produce from overseas markets, aiming to maintain steady supplies for residents despite pressure on regional air transport and logistics networks.
Fresh food airlifted into the UAE
One of the latest cargo shipments arrived in Abu Dhabi on March 7 aboard a freighter operated by Etihad Airways, carrying around 12,000 packages of fruits and vegetables from India. The consignment weighed roughly 80,000 kilograms, highlighting the scale of efforts underway to move fresh food into the country quickly.The shipment was organised by LuLu Group International, which operates one of the UAE’s largest supermarket networks. The produce is expected to be distributed across stores nationwide, helping ensure customers continue to find fresh items on grocery shelves.For retailers, speed is critical when it comes to highly perishable products. Air cargo allows produce to arrive within hours rather than days, preserving quality and preventing supply disruptions.
Why are food imports flown into Abu Dhabi?
The decision to rely on chartered cargo flights comes as aviation routes across parts of the Middle East face disruption due to regional geopolitical tensions. Some passenger flights have been suspended or rerouted, reducing the cargo capacity that typically moves fresh food between international markets and the Gulf.Passenger aircraft often carry large volumes of fresh produce in their cargo holds. When these flights are cancelled or limited, retailers must find alternative ways to transport goods quickly.To avoid delays that could affect supermarket availability, companies are turning to dedicated cargo flights that can bring in produce directly from major sourcing markets.Industry analysts say the move reflects how global supply chains adapt during disruptions. Instead of relying on routine passenger flights or sea freight, retailers shift to faster logistics options when fresh food supplies are at stake.
What does this mean for UAE residents?
For shoppers across the UAE, the shipments are designed to maintain normal supermarket availability. The country imports a significant share of its food, particularly fresh produce, making efficient logistics essential for daily grocery supply.Retailers say fresh food arriving on cargo flights will quickly reach supermarket shelves through established distribution networks across the Emirates. The aim is to ensure residents continue to find fruits, vegetables and other perishable foods without major disruptions.Officials and industry players also point to the UAE’s broader food security strategy. The country maintains diversified sourcing markets and supply routes to ensure steady imports even during regional disruptions.These systems, combined with private sector logistics networks, help retailers respond quickly when global transport routes face sudden changes.
More food imports are planned
Retailers continue to bring in produce from international suppliers, so additional cargo flights are expected in the coming days. Shipments are being arranged from cities including Mumbai, Bengaluru and Melbourne, reflecting the UAE’s wide network of agricultural sourcing markets.Such logistics operations underline the scale and complexity of the country’s food supply chain. From overseas farms to supermarket shelves, fresh produce often travels thousands of kilometres before reaching consumers.For now, retailers say the priority is simple: keep fresh food moving into the country so residents can continue shopping normally despite turbulence affecting global aviation routes.Fresh food airlifted into UAE by LuLu to help keep supermarket shelves stocked
