Belgium’s Liège Airport posted double-digit cargo growth in the first quarter of 2026, handling 342,845 tonnes against 296,506 tonnes in the same period last year. The 16% volume increase outpaced a 7% rise in aircraft movements, which reached 7,247 flights.
Export activity led the charge. Outbound volumes jumped 20% year-on-year, fuelled by sustained demand in e-commerce and perishables. March alone saw movements climb 9% and tonnage rise 11%, maintaining momentum into the second quarter.
Export volumes drive double-digit gains
The airport’s export performance reflects broader shifts in European air cargo flows. Liège processes around 20% of goods purchased online outside the EU, positioning it as a critical node for cross-border e-commerce.
Chief executive Laurent Jossart said the airport remains cautiously optimistic but is preparing for continued instability. “While the outlook remains positive, 2026 is expected to continue to be shaped by rapid adjustments and demanding market conditions,” he noted.
The facility’s role as a European cargo hub has expanded as retailers and logistics providers seek alternatives to congested gateways. Perishables traffic, particularly for pharmaceutical and fresh produce shipments, has grown alongside traditional freight flows.
Geopolitical headwinds reshape air freight markets
Middle East tensions are global air cargo routes and supply chains. Airspace restrictions have forced carriers to reroute flights, adding time and cost to critical lanes.
Rising jet fuel prices compound the pressure. Carriers face margin erosion as fuel surcharges lag behind pump price increases. Air cargo rates have climbed sharply in response, with forwarders reporting double-digit rate hikes on key European export lanes.
The conflict has also shifted capacity flows. Airlines are adjusting networks to avoid affected regions, creating bottlenecks on alternative routes. Liège has benefited from some of this redistribution, but the gains remain vulnerable to further escalation.
Customs intercepted more than 25,000 counterfeit products at Liège last year, yet officials inspect just 0.006% of goods moving through the airport. The volume-to-inspection ratio underscores the pressure on border agencies as e-commerce flows surge.
Saudi Arabian Airlines Group acquires ground handling stake
Aviapartner is selling its cargo operations at Liège Airport to the Saudi Arabian Airlines Group. The transaction signals continued investment interest in European cargo infrastructure despite market uncertainty.
The sale follows a pattern of strategic acquisitions in the air freight sector. Middle Eastern carriers have expanded their European footprint through ground handling investments, securing operational control at key gateways.
Airport management has not disclosed how the ownership change will affect service levels or capacity. Industry observers expect Saudi Arabian Airlines to maintain existing operations while integrating Liège into its broader European network.
Fuel costs and rate volatility threaten second half outlook
Rising fuel prices could strain demand for air freight in the coming months. Shippers are already shifting some cargo to ocean modes as air rates climb beyond budget thresholds.
“The airport is therefore approaching the remainder of the year with vigilance, while maintaining a reasoned confidence in the continuation of its growth momentum,” Jossart added. The measured tone reflects industry-wide caution as freight markets adjust to new cost structures.
Carriers have limited pricing power. Many forwarders have locked in annual contracts with shippers at rates that no longer cover elevated fuel costs. The mismatch between contracted rates and spot market realities is squeezing margins across the supply chain.
E-commerce sustains volumes despite headwinds
E-commerce remains the primary growth driver for Liège. Cross-border online retail continues to expand, particularly for goods entering the EU from Asia and North America.
The airport’s infrastructure supports rapid parcel processing. Dedicated e-commerce handling facilities allow carriers to turn around flights quickly, reducing dwell time and improving network efficiency.
Perishables traffic has also grown. Pharmaceutical shipments require temperature-controlled handling and expedited customs clearance, services that Liège has invested in over the past three years.
Industry perspective: volatility demands flexible capacity
The air cargo market is entering a period of sustained volatility. Geopolitical tensions, fuel price swings and shifting demand patterns are forcing forwarders to rethink capacity strategies.
Traditional airline alliances and fixed capacity agreements no longer provide the flexibility needed to navigate rapid market changes. Forwarders require access to diverse carrier networks and the ability to switch routes quickly as conditions evolve.
Platforms that aggregate capacity across multiple carriers offer a practical response. By comparing rates and availability in real time, forwarders can quote complex routes faster and adjust bookings as market conditions shift. This operational flexibility is critical when fuel costs spike or airspace restrictions force last-minute reroutes.
The ability to book both airport-to-airport and door-to-door options from a single portal reduces the time spent managing multiple carrier relationships. Faster quoting translates to faster customer responses, a competitive advantage when margins are tight and capacity is uncertain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cargo did Liège Airport handle in Q1 2026?
Liège Airport handled 342,845 tonnes of cargo in the first quarter of 2026, representing a 16% increase compared to 296,506 tonnes in Q1 2025. Aircraft movements rose 7% to 7,247 flights during the same period.
What is driving cargo growth at Liège Airport?
Export volumes are the primary driver, climbing 20% year-on-year. E-commerce shipments, particularly cross-border goods entering the EU, account for a significant portion of growth. Perishables traffic, including pharmaceuticals and fresh produce, has also expanded as the airport invests in temperature-controlled handling facilities.
How is the Middle East conflict affecting Liège Airport operations?
The conflict is global air cargo flows by forcing carriers to reroute flights around restricted airspace. This has created capacity shifts that benefit some European hubs, including Liège. However, rising jet fuel prices and increased air cargo rates threaten demand in the coming months.
What percentage of Liège cargo shipments does customs inspect?
Customs inspects just 0.006% of goods passing through Liège Airport, despite the facility processing around 20% of goods purchased online outside the EU. Officials intercepted more than 25,000 counterfeit products last year, highlighting the enforcement challenge as volumes surge.
Who is buying Aviapartner’s Liège cargo operations?
Saudi Arabian Airlines Group is acquiring Aviapartner’s cargo operations at Liège Airport. The transaction reflects continued investment in European cargo infrastructure by Middle Eastern carriers seeking to expand their ground handling networks.
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