IAG Cargo has been appointed as Ground Handling Agent at Dublin International Airport (DUB) to provide cargo handling services for Qatar Airways Cargo.
Through the partnership, IAG Cargo will manage all Qatar Airways Cargo ground handling activities at Dublin, further strengthening collaboration between the two carriers and enhancing operational alignment at the station.
This forms part of the broader Global Cargo Joint Business between IAG Cargo, MASkargo and Qatar Airways announced in 2025, and supports closer operational integration at key gateways. By aligning ground handling under a single operating platform in Dublin, the agreement enhances service quality, network connectivity and consistency for customers, delivering tangible customer benefits through closer collaboration.
The appointment also builds on IAG Cargo’s recent expansion of third-party handling capabilities, including the introduction of MASkargo operations at London Heathrow. Qatar Airways Cargo, part of the Qatar Airways Group, operates 17 weekly belly-hold flights between Dublin and Doha, with all cargo services to be processed through IAG Cargo’s Dublin facility.
David Shepherd, Chief Executive Officer at IAG Cargo, said:
“We look forward to working with Qatar Airways Cargo in Dublin. This partnership reflects the trust global carriers place in our operational expertise and demonstrates the strength of our third-party handling capabilities. Dublin has a key strategic position within our network, and our facility offers strong operational connectivity to support Qatar Airways Cargo’s services.”
Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, added:
“As the world’s leading air cargo carrier, we continuously seek strong, like‑minded partners who share our commitment to operational excellence, reliability and customer service. This partnership with IAG Cargo at Dublin, and the launch of the alliance with IAG Cargo and MASkargo supports our growing network and ensures seamless, high‑quality handling for our customers in Ireland and beyond. We look forward to building on this collaboration as we continue to strengthen our global cargo proposition.”
Separately, IAG Cargo has launched a dedicated Aircraft on Ground (AOG) service for the urgent transport of aircraft parts for the industry.
The launch responds to rising demand for specialist AOG logistics and is designed to enable rapid recovery when aircraft are grounded, minimising downtime and supporting schedule integrity.
Available globally from today, the service capitalises on IAG Cargo’s logistical expertise and extensive network of more than 250 destinations. It also benefits from the company’s presence near major manufacturing and maintenance hubs in Europe and North America, giving customers quicker access to essential parts when every minute counts.
Shipments booked through AOG are managed by specialist teams available 24/7 who provide rapid triage and real time updates, giving customers additional clarity and control when moving their most vital consignments.
David Rose, Chief Commercial Officer at IAG Cargo, said:
“With our AOG product, we’re addressing the industry’s need for a rapid and specialist response when unexpected technical issues leave aircraft on the ground. With a dedicated team and a bespoke service model, customers booking our AOG product will see their critical parts move at speed and with absolute focus. Leveraging our global network, proven expertise and strategic presence across the globe, we can position urgent shipments exactly where they’re needed quickly, securely, and with 24/7 oversight. This launch strengthens our premium portfolio and reflects the quality and customer focus that make IAG Cargo trusted to deliver.”
The launch of the service comes as demand for Aircraft on Ground logistics continues to grow. Recent market research valued the AOG logistics sector at USD 3.14 billion in 2025 and anticipates this will grow to USD 4.16 billion by 2032, driven by increasing air traffic, ageing fleets and leaner inventory strategies that heighten the need for fast-response solutions.
Again, separately, IAG Cargo has reported its financial results for the year ended 31 December 2025.
The business reported commercial revenues of €1,238 million representing a 0.3 per cent increase year-on-year. Cargo tonne kilometres (CTKs) were up 0.4 per cent compared to 2024, while overall yield for the year was maintained at 2024 levels.
Demand for time-critical services remained strong as customers relied on trusted partners for high-value and sensitive shipments. Volumes in Critical, IAG Cargo’s premium priority solution, rose by 41 per cent year-on-year, while perishables volumes increased by 12 per cent over the same period.
Growth was also notable on trade lanes from Latin America into Europe, particularly into Madrid, where cargo volumes increased by 22 per cent year-on-year, supported by strong perishables flows.
David Shepherd, Chief Executive Officer at IAG Cargo, said:
“In a year shaped by shifting global trade flows and evolving tariff policies, we ended 2025 with a solid performance. Through improved capacity planning, we delivered greater consistency across our network, while continued investment in digital and operational capability strengthened the long-term resilience of the business. As a result, we enter 2026 on a firmer footing, with greater near-term stability and clear foundations for sustainable growth.
“At the same time, we are embedding new ways of working that reduce complexity, improving how we serve customers and how we operate day to day. Overall, we are more agile, more responsive, and better equipped to deliver.
“This progress also means we can now operate in new ways and bring the strength of our network to more markets. We are already starting to see this take shape through the expansion of our third-party handling capabilities and our plans to form a Global Cargo Joint Business with Qatar Airways Cargo and MASkargo, announced last year. Together, these steps reflect the growing scale and role of IAG Cargo in the global market.”
In June 2025, IAG Cargo announced its intention to launch a Global Cargo Joint Business with Qatar Airways Cargo and MASkargo. Subject to regulatory approval, this landmark agreement is intended to create one of the world’s most extensive air cargo networks, bringing together complementary expertise to offer broader market access, improved connectivity and more consistent service across regions.
Alongside this, IAG Cargo continued to expand its third-party handling capabilities, with MASkargo shipments now being processed through its London Heathrow hub. This demonstrates the business’s growing role in supporting global carriers and extending its operational footprint.
Throughout the year, IAG Cargo continued to modernise its operations, focusing on making it easier for customers to do business and improving performance across its network.
Investment in digital systems and data tools has strengthened forecasting and planning, improving how the business matches capacity with customer demand. The booking experience has also been simplified with a best price online commitment and enhancements to online tools and self-service functionality that provide greater visibility, speed and ease when arranging shipments.
Operationally, the business maintained a strong focus on reliability and efficiency across its global network, supported by ongoing improvements to processes and infrastructure.
