Liege Airport Sets New Records in 2024

Published: Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Liege Airport set new records in 2024, with November cargo aircraft movements increasing by 12.6% year-on-year and tonnage rising 16% to 112,106 tons. Torsten Wefers, VP of Sales & Marketing, praised the achievement, stating, “This exceptional performance showcases the dedication of our cargo community and reinforces Liege Airport’s position as a key player in global air freight.”

Driving Factors

The airport’s cargo airline portfolio grew by 20% this year, with 49 freighter carriers and nearly 60 logistics companies now operating nearby. Increased demand from Asia, especially for imports, played a significant role in this growth. Wefers noted, “The region’s thriving economy, coupled with the increasing popularity of luxury travel and seamless connectivity to global destinations, played a pivotal role in driving this growth.”

Regional Leadership

Liege Airport ranked second in cargo tonnage growth among European airports in October, trailing only Madrid. The airport’s focus on inbound e-commerce has also contributed to its success. Wefers remarked at the September EU Cross-Border E-commerce Forum, “We are very strong in the China market.”

Global Air Freight Momentum

November marked the 13th consecutive month of double-digit growth in global air freight demand, driven by the ongoing e-commerce boom. Load factors reached their highest levels since April 2022, reflecting robust market conditions. Wefers emphasized, “Air cargo is a global business, and you need both inbound and outbound shipments to ensure a balanced and efficient operation.”

Future Prospects

Liege Airport’s remarkable performance in 2024 positions it as a dynamic hub for air cargo, with a promising outlook for continued success in 2025. Wefers concluded, “The outlook for 2025 is very encouraging. If the community continues to focus on how they can effectively cater to various verticals and connect incoming and outgoing streams, much will be possible, and more carriers may come and even relocate to a hub like Liege.”