Global air cargo volumes surged in 2024, but shifting trade patterns, geopolitical tensions, and e-commerce demand have redrawn airport rankings, reported Mumbai's Stat Trade Times.
According to Airports Council International (ACI) World's 2025 dataset, airports worldwide handled nearly 127 million metric tonnes of cargo in 2024, up 9.9 per cent year-on-year and 4.1 per cent above 2019 levels. The top 20 cargo hubs processed 52.2 million tonnes, marking a nine per cent annual increase and 10.8 per cent growth over pre-pandemic volumes.
Hong Kong (HKG) retained its position as the world's busiest cargo airport, handling 4.94 million tonnes (+14.1%), followed by Shanghai Pudong (PVG) and Memphis (MEM). Dubai International Airport (DXB) recorded the biggest leap, climbing from 17th to 11th place with 2.18 million tonnes (+20.5%).
DXB's rise was attributed to Red Sea disruptions that shifted urgent cargo from sea to air, supported by Emirates SkyCargo's expanded freighter network. Kuehne+Nagel cited DXB's efficient customs and multimodal capabilities as key advantages. European inbound trade via UAE rose 30 per cent, driven by sea-air conversions.
Istanbul Airport (IST) also climbed rapidly, reaching 17th place with 1.98 million tonnes (+23.8%). Turkish Cargo's aggressive expansion and the move from Atatürk to the new airport enabled growth. IST volumes rose 289.6 per centcompared to 2019, with all cargo now routed through the new facility.
Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) rose to 9th place, driven by China's e-commerce boom and strong healthcare and perishables volumes. Shein and Temu were cited as major contributors. CAN's cargo grew 17.3 per cent year-on-year and 24 per cent over 2019.
In the US, Memphis (MEM) fell to third place with 3.75 million tonnes (-3.3%), while Miami (MIA) held 7th place with 2.75 million tonnes (+9%). Miami's growth reflects its strength in Latin American trade and traditional freight forwarding.
Trade and Transport Group noted shifting volumes across Asia, with Vietnam and Taiwan gaining share amid US-China trade tensions. Transpacific air trade rose overall, excluding cross-border e-commerce.
The rankings reflect structural changes in global air cargo, with airports adapting to volatile trade flows, regional specialisation, and the rise of e-commerce.
SeaNews Turkey
According to Airports Council International (ACI) World's 2025 dataset, airports worldwide handled nearly 127 million metric tonnes of cargo in 2024, up 9.9 per cent year-on-year and 4.1 per cent above 2019 levels. The top 20 cargo hubs processed 52.2 million tonnes, marking a nine per cent annual increase and 10.8 per cent growth over pre-pandemic volumes.
Hong Kong (HKG) retained its position as the world's busiest cargo airport, handling 4.94 million tonnes (+14.1%), followed by Shanghai Pudong (PVG) and Memphis (MEM). Dubai International Airport (DXB) recorded the biggest leap, climbing from 17th to 11th place with 2.18 million tonnes (+20.5%).
DXB's rise was attributed to Red Sea disruptions that shifted urgent cargo from sea to air, supported by Emirates SkyCargo's expanded freighter network. Kuehne+Nagel cited DXB's efficient customs and multimodal capabilities as key advantages. European inbound trade via UAE rose 30 per cent, driven by sea-air conversions.
Istanbul Airport (IST) also climbed rapidly, reaching 17th place with 1.98 million tonnes (+23.8%). Turkish Cargo's aggressive expansion and the move from Atatürk to the new airport enabled growth. IST volumes rose 289.6 per centcompared to 2019, with all cargo now routed through the new facility.
Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) rose to 9th place, driven by China's e-commerce boom and strong healthcare and perishables volumes. Shein and Temu were cited as major contributors. CAN's cargo grew 17.3 per cent year-on-year and 24 per cent over 2019.
In the US, Memphis (MEM) fell to third place with 3.75 million tonnes (-3.3%), while Miami (MIA) held 7th place with 2.75 million tonnes (+9%). Miami's growth reflects its strength in Latin American trade and traditional freight forwarding.
Trade and Transport Group noted shifting volumes across Asia, with Vietnam and Taiwan gaining share amid US-China trade tensions. Transpacific air trade rose overall, excluding cross-border e-commerce.
The rankings reflect structural changes in global air cargo, with airports adapting to volatile trade flows, regional specialisation, and the rise of e-commerce.
SeaNews Turkey
