Liège Airport has continued its strong growth momentum in the first half of 2026, reinforcing its position as one of Europe’s leading air cargo hubs. Between January and June, the airport handled 697,816 tons of freight, an increase of 11.3% compared with the same period last year. Cargo aircraft movements also rose by 3.3%, indicating that higher volumes are increasingly being transported through an increased aircraft utilization.
While cargo growth levelled off during the second quarter, following an exceptionally strong start to the year, the figures point to sustained demand and improved operational productivity. The airport attributed the performance to its ability to accommodate growing international trade while making more efficient use of available capacity.
One of the most notable developments was the continued strength of export traffic. Outbound volumes increased by 19% year-on-year, significantly outpacing imports, which grew by 6%. Demand was particularly strong on routes to Asia and North America, where export volumes rose by 17% and 51%, respectively. The gap widened further during the second quarter, with exports continuing to grow while import volumes remained largely stable. The latest results underline Liège Airport’s expanding role as a preferred gateway for European exporters. With its focus on freighter operations, efficient handling processes and uncongested infrastructure, the airport continues to attract airlines and logistics providers looking for reliable alternatives to Europe’s larger, capacity-constrained cargo hubs.
