Impressive 2025 results that Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) published earlier this week – and ones that other airports likely can only dream of. After all, how many can claim a 40% increase in air freight volumes in one year? The Dutch regional hub’s renewed focus on cargo development has more than paid off. It handled 41,636 tons of cargo, last year, across 7,549 aircraft movements (1,737 cargo flights and 994 passenger flights); a significant recovery from 2024’s 28,448 tons following runway renovations to the cost of EUR 35 million in 2023. If it continues in a similar vein, then its 2024 target of 200,000 tons by 2030 should be doable. In a first step towards seriously becoming a leading, specialized cargo hub, MST appointed its first cargo sales executive last year in the shape of Pascale de Mieter, CFG reported. Looking ahead, the airport’s application for a new Airport License and a proposed runway extension to 2,750 meters promise to further support growth in both cargo capacity [since it would enable larger cargo loads on freighters] and international connectivity.
Dean Boljuncic, Head of Commercial Development, Maastricht Aachen Airport, stated: “The strong growth in cargo volume last year is down to MST’s continued investment in cargo handling facilities at the airport, particularly in the second half of 2025. We have invested in optimizing our handling processes and improving our facilities in the past 12 months, including redeveloping MST’s AnimalPort and partnering with FlowerWatch to modernize perishable cargo operations. Both cargo and passengers are important for MST; however, we expect to see higher and faster returns from our cargo operations, and our strategic focus in this area is clearly paying off.”
