Liege Airport Cargo Grows 5.6% in Q1 2025

Liege Airport has reinforced its status as a leading European air freight hub, reporting a robust 5.6% year-on-year increase in cargo volumes for Q1 2025.

The Belgian gateway handled 296,188 tonnes of cargo in the first three months of the year, significantly outpacing the global air cargo market’s 3% growth, according to WorldACD data.

Cargo flight movements also rose by 6.2% to 6,772 flights, with March alone seeing 111,160 tonnes of freight processed and 2,389 cargo flights—up 6.2% and 7% respectively from March 2024. This strong performance comes despite a challenging trade environment marked by rising US tariffs and the end of duty-free treatment for certain goods from China and Hong Kong.

Exports to North America surged by 42% in Q1, partly due to companies accelerating shipments ahead of new US customs rules, while imports from the US dropped 12% amid weaker demand. Liege Airport remains a key hub for specialized cargo, including perishables, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, and humanitarian aid.

A spokesperson for Liege Airport commented, “Liege Airport’s growth is almost double that of the global market, in an international context marked by uncertainty. Our ability to adapt and serve specialized cargo sectors has been crucial to this success.”

On the US market, the spokesperson added, “We can assume that some companies wanted to anticipate US decisions to increase customs duties. Imports from the US fell by 12% due to the sluggishness of the US economy, demand from the EU, and fewer import flights.”

Airport officials note that while operations remain stable, ongoing global trade uncertainties could impact future volumes. “Uncertainties are not conducive to international trade, and a slowdown in air freight cannot be ruled out,” the airport stated.

For now, Liege’s growth nearly doubles the global average, underscoring its resilience and strategic importance in European and transatlantic air freight.