Global Air Cargo to Expand for Second Successive Year; What Makes for a Winning Cargo-Only Airport?

Why It Matters

The shift reshapes airport business models and supply‑chain logistics, offering higher margins for airports that specialize in freight while relieving congestion at major passenger hubs.

Key Takeaways

• Air cargo growth projected again in 2026
• Cargo accounts for 35% of trade value, 1% volume
• Small regional airports gaining cargo specialization
• E‑commerce drives Asia‑Pacific cargo dominance
• Slot scarcity pushes cargo airlines to secondary airports

Pulse Analysis

The resurgence of air freight reflects a broader rebalancing of global logistics. With high‑value goods increasingly time‑sensitive, shippers are turning to air cargo despite its modest share of total volume. This dynamic is amplified by post‑pandemic e‑commerce spikes, which have lifted the value of parcels and accelerated demand for rapid, cross‑border delivery. As a result, airports that can efficiently handle high‑value cargo are becoming pivotal nodes in the supply chain, attracting both traditional freight carriers and newer parcel operators.

A notable development is the migration of cargo activities from congested passenger hubs to smaller, dedicated cargo airports. Limited slots at major airports, coupled with the need for faster surface‑distribution links, make regional facilities attractive. Liège Airport in Belgium exemplifies this shift, posting a 24% cargo volume increase in 2020 and ranking among Europe’s top freight airports. Such airports benefit from lower infrastructure costs, streamlined customs processes, and proximity to motorway junctions, enabling quicker last‑mile delivery for e‑commerce and medical shipments.

For airport operators and investors, the trend signals a strategic imperative to diversify revenue streams beyond passenger traffic. Developing cargo‑only terminals, enhancing cold‑chain capabilities, and forging partnerships with logistics firms can unlock higher yields. Meanwhile, airlines facing slot scarcity are incentivized to base freighter fleets at secondary airports, improving network resilience. As global trade values continue to rise, airports that master the cargo‑only model are poised to capture a growing slice of the high‑margin freight market.