Liege Airport has achieved a new milestone with 2,586 cargo aircraft movements in November 2024. This marks a 12.6% increase compared to 2,297 movements in November 2023. Additionally, the airport recorded an impressive cargo tonnage of 112,106 tons, up 16% from 96,497 tons during the same month the previous year.

“These are the highest levels reached in 2024,” stated Laurent Jossart, CEO. “The cargo community at Liege Airport has demonstrated exceptional performance throughout the year, supporting the airport’s unique growth trajectory, and the outlook for 2025 is very encouraging.”

Since the beginning of the year, the portfolio of cargo airlines has grown by 20%, reaching 49 carriers operating regularly through Liege Airport. Furthermore, nearly 60 logistics companies are now based around the airport, benefiting from its unique freight-centric approach. In October, Liege Airport reported the second-highest cargo tonnage growth among all European airports, trailing only Madrid Airport.

“Month after month, Liege Airport’s tonnage figures have never been better. The diversification of operators continues, and regular routes with Africa, America, and especially Asia are strengthening Wallonia’s international presence. During the holiday season, in particular, consumers are increasingly turning to e-commerce, choosing to support the 11,000 workers employed at the airport site while moving away from foreign-origin distribution networks,” commented Michel Kempeneers, Managing Director of the International Affairs Division at the Wallonia Export and Investment Agency.

The increase in demand from the Asian continent is driving air freight growth, with imports playing a more significant role than exports, reflecting ongoing challenges in the European economy.

“Global demand for air freight showed no signs of slowing in November, with volumes achieving a 13th consecutive month of double-digit growth and load factors reaching their highest levels since April 2022. Demand rose by +10% year-on-year in November, fueled by the continued rise of e-commerce,” according to the latest market analysis by Xeneta.

Liege Airport, ranked 5th in Europe for cargo, 1st in Belgium, and among the world’s top cargo airports, is the only European airport prioritizing full cargo operations (#freightersfirst). It specializes in transporting perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, express parcels, e-commerce products, humanitarian aid, and live animals.