In 2023, air cargo traffic saw a slight decline, with global volumes decreasing by 1.8% to 115 million tonnes, according to Airport Council International (ACI) World. Cargo traffic continued to concentrate in the world’s primary hubs, though the busiest airports held relatively stable positions. Hong Kong maintained its lead with 4.3 million tonnes, followed by Memphis and Shanghai Pudong, handling 3.9 and 3.4 million tonnes, respectively. Anchorage secured the fourth spot with 3.4 million tonnes.
Chinese airports showed notable growth, with Shanghai moving from fourth to third place, reclaiming its pre-pandemic standing. Shenzhen, which ranked 24th in 2019, rose to 20th by 2022 and retained that position in 2023. Guangzhou Baiyun International saw a significant jump from 15th to 11th place, a trend attributed to rising passenger flights and increased belly cargo capacity as China reopened its borders. Guangzhou’s aircraft movements surged by 71.1%, and the airport added new freighter services, such as Etihad Cargo’s link with Abu Dhabi.
Shanghai also experienced a 112.3% rise in aircraft movements, enhancing its connectivity with new routes to Russia, Athens, Riyadh, and additional flights to U.S. destinations like Los Angeles and San Francisco. This expansion in cargo capacity aligns with China’s growing role in global e-commerce and trade, bolstered by investments in airport infrastructure and free trade zones. As China’s demand for goods continues, experts predict that more Chinese airports may join the top 20 cargo hubs by 2024.
Middle Eastern airports also benefitted from increased passenger and cargo activity. Doha’s Hamad International Airport regained its pre-pandemic position by moving from 11th to eighth place, while Dubai International advanced from 18th to 17th, partially recovering from a significant volume drop in 2022. Other Asian airports saw varied results: Incheon slipped from sixth to fifth, Tokyo from 10th to 12th, and Singapore from 16th to 18th.
In the United States, Anchorage fell to fourth place, Louisville dropped from fifth to sixth, and Chicago moved from 12th to 13th. Conversely, Miami rose from eighth to seventh, and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International surged from 17th to 13th, largely due to its e-commerce partnerships with Amazon and DHL. This trend underscores the impact of e-commerce on cargo volumes, with Cincinnati’s strategic location and infrastructure investments enhancing its competitiveness.
Istanbul Airport also saw rapid growth, moving from 23rd to 19th place. Since its opening in 2019, Istanbul has climbed swiftly in the rankings, driven by increased passenger flights and a new FedEx global transit hub set to open in late 2024. This facility is expected to further bolster Istanbul’s standing as a strategic hub for both passenger and cargo logistics.
European airports faced mixed fortunes, with Paris Charles de Gaulle falling from 14th to 15th and Frankfurt slipping from 13th to 16th. ACI World notes that while Chinese airports gain ground, European hubs may see diminishing cargo volumes as they contend with competition from more dynamic regions.
Despite a modest 1.8% volume contraction in 2023, the air cargo sector showed resilience. ACI initially projected a 6-8% decline due to global trade disruptions, but actual performance exceeded expectations, even as total volumes remained 4.9% below 2019 levels. This dip reflects the industry’s recalibration from the peak demand seen during the pandemic, driven by personal protective equipment (PPE) and e-commerce.
Smaller airports are beginning to emerge as key players in regional cargo and e-commerce logistics, particularly in markets that benefit from fast, localized services. While limited capacity and fewer global connections prevent smaller airports from competing in long-haul cargo, they serve niche markets effectively by reducing congestion at larger hubs. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky, for instance, moved from 36th in 2014 to 14th in 2023, showcasing the impact of partnerships with major e-commerce firms and its central location.
As global trade and e-commerce demand increase, larger hubs retain dominance due to their infrastructure, trade locations, and efficient handling capabilities. ACI’s Meijerink notes that these hubs have maintained stability in rankings over the past decade, underscoring their role in the global cargo landscape. The top 20 airports handled 47.9 million tonnes in 2023, representing 42% of global volumes, though traffic in these hubs dropped by 3.2% from the previous year.
The outlook for the air cargo sector is cautiously optimistic. ACI forecasts a robust recovery, with volumes expected to reach 121 million tonnes by the end of 2024 and continue growing, hitting 126 million tonnes by 2025. This growth trajectory reflects a 4.8% increase over pre-pandemic levels. Despite uncertainties in global trade policies and geopolitical issues, the industry is set for a steady comeback, driven by rising e-commerce demand and increasing global trade.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports similar optimism. Although cargo demand in 2023 was 3.6% below pre-Covid levels, a strong fourth quarter signaled market stabilization. IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh highlighted the resilience of air cargo markets and expressed confidence for 2024, even as geopolitical and economic challenges persist.
In conclusion, while 2023 marked a slight contraction in global cargo traffic, the sector’s resilience and continued recovery highlight a promising future. The industry’s adaptability in response to shifting demands, e-commerce growth, and strategic partnerships is positioning air cargo for a steady path toward pre-pandemic levels and beyond.
Source: aircargonews.net