In 2024, the world’s airports handled over 124 million tonnes of cargo, reflecting an 8.4% year-on-year increase, as reported by Airports Council International (ACI). This growth marks a strong recovery from the 3.1% decline observed in 2023 and represents a 3.9% rise compared to 2019, the last pre-pandemic benchmark. The surge in demand for cross-border e-commerce and disruptions to shipping routes in the Red Sea were key factors driving the increase, prompting some shippers to opt for air or combined sea-air transport.
1. Top 20 Global Airports: Dominance of Asia and the U.S.
The top 20 global cargo airports collectively processed 54.3 million tonnes in 2024, representing 44% of the total global volume and a 7.0% year-on-year growth. Asia leads with eight platforms in the rankings, including four from China, followed by six in the U.S., three in the Middle East, and three in Europe.
China’s Growing Influence: Hong Kong retained its top spot, with a 14% growth, while Shanghai surpassed Memphis to claim second place. Other Chinese airports, such as Guangzhou and Shenzhen, recorded double-digit growth, further consolidating their positions.
Istanbul’s Meteoric Rise: Istanbul recorded the highest growth, climbing five places globally with an increase of nearly 37%, supported by Turkish Airlines’ rapid expansion.
Middle Eastern Hubs: Doha and Dubai remained pivotal regional hubs, continuing to gain traction within the rankings.
2. European Top 10: Modest Recovery
European cargo airports handled 13.1 million tonnes in 2024, up 6.5% from 2023. While this growth was below the global average, it marked a significant recovery from the previous year’s decline.
Paris vs. Frankfurt: Frankfurt regained the lead with a 6.2% growth, while Paris fell short of the 2-million-tonne mark.
Liège and Madrid Shine: Liège outpaced the European average due to robust e-commerce flows with China. Madrid recorded the region’s highest growth, bolstered by Spain’s strong economic performance.
Emerging Standouts: Rome saw a 43% surge in traffic, while Budapest’s role as a gateway for Chinese goods fueled an 84% jump in volume.
3. U.S. Top 10: Slower Growth Amid Economic Challenges
In the U.S., the top 10 airports handled 20.6 million tonnes in 2024, a modest 2.6% increase. The subdued growth reflects cost optimization strategies by cargo operators amid a challenging global economic environment.
Memphis vs. Louisville: Memphis and Louisville retained their dominance as hubs for FedEx and UPS, respectively. However, Louisville outperformed Memphis, which underwent network restructuring.
Miami’s Momentum: Miami solidified its position in third place, continuing its growth trajectory from 2023.
Cincinnati’s Decline: Traffic at Cincinnati, a hub for Amazon Air and DHL, decreased after significant growth the previous year.
4. Asian Top 10: Leading the Recovery
Asia’s top 10 cargo airports collectively handled 25 million tonnes in 2024, representing a 12.7% year-on-year increase. Chinese platforms dominated the rankings, reflecting the region’s robust recovery.
China’s Strength: Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Beijing all posted substantial gains, with Beijing achieving the highest growth in the Top 10.
Intra-Asian Trade: Airports like Singapore and Bangkok benefited from the resurgence of intra-Asian trade, which fueled cargo growth.
Stability Across the Region: Unlike the U.S. and Europe, none of the airports in Asia’s Top 10 reported a decline, highlighting the region’s resilience and growth momentum.
Conclusion
The global air cargo sector in 2024 demonstrated resilience and adaptability, driven by strong e-commerce demand, regional trade recoveries, and strategic shifts in supply chain configurations. While Asia emerged as the strongest performer, notable recoveries were seen in Europe and the U.S., albeit at varying growth rates. As air freight remains a critical component of global trade, continued investments in infrastructure and adaptability to evolving economic conditions will shape the sector's trajectory in the years to come.
Source: https://market-insights.upply.com/en/air-freight-2024-ranking-of-the-worlds-main-airports
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