Brussels cargo volumes fall 3.2pc in January with freighter cut-backs

A sharp decline in maindeck cargo on freighters saw Brussels Airport's monthly cargo volumes fall 3.2 per cent last month, despite an increase in bellyhold and trucked cargo. The European hub handled 55,030 tonnes last month, down from 56,846 tonnes in January 2017.

The Belgian airport said: 'Cargo carried on board of full-freighter aircraft declined 17.3 per cent to 11,283 tonnes compared with the same month last year.

'This decrease is mainly due to the fact that certain airlines cut back their flights, reports London's Air Cargo News.

'Cargo carried by express operators is decreasing in weight (-5.2 per cent), which is the trend in recent months where e-commerce is increasing. These products have a lighter weight than traditional cargo.'

The airport added: 'It is the first time in months that the freight sector at Brussels Airport records a slightly negative growth. The decrease in cargo traffic was already observed in other European airports in November and December.

'The increase in the number of long-haul flights generated an increase of 8.5 per cent in belly cargo compared to January last year. Trucked cargo grew by 3.5 per cent.'

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