AIR CARG O WEEK


WORLD AIRPORTS


SUPPLEMENT WORLD AIRPORTS AÉROPORTS DU MONDE


VERDENS LUFTHAVNE ملاعلا تاراطم FLUGHÄFEN WELTWEIT WERELDWIJDE LUCHTHAVENS


LOTNISKA NA ŚWIECIE VÄRLDENS FLYGPLATSER 世界の空港 AEROPUERTOS DEL MUNDO AEROPORTOS MUNDIAIS AEROPORTI MONDIALI


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irports play a central and often underestimated role in global airfreight


logistics. global Although passengers industries. Understanding dominate the public


perception of aviation, freight activity underpins international trade, high-value supply chains and the functioning of time- sensitive


importance


of airports to airfreight - and the challenges, opportunities, and long- term prospects for all-cargo airports - is essential for airport operators, policymakers and logistics stakeholders aiming to capture value in a changing transport ecosystem. Airports serve as indispensable hubs in global freight networks, providing


the physical and regulatory infrastructure that enables the rapid movement of goods. They facilitate the integration of multiple logistical functions: cargo handling, warehousing, customs clearance, security screening and multimodal connectivity to road, rail and maritime transport. For many industries - pharmaceuticals, electronics, perishables, e-commerce - speed and reliability are far more valuable than transport cost, making airports the natural gateways for high-value and time-critical cargo. Additionally, airports with strong airfreight operations often become catalysts for regional


economic growth. Cargo activity


logistics service providers, freight forwarders, and distribution centres, creating employment and stimulating industrial development around the airport precinct. Well-developed cargo airports also enhance a region’s competitiveness, enabling local businesses to reach global markets quickly. Increasingly, airports are positioning themselves as “aerotropolis” anchors, where airfreight is central to broader economic ecosystems.


Challenges facing freight operations Despite its importance, airfreight operations face a range of operational, infrastructural, and commercial challenges. Cargo handling facilities, apron space for freighters, and landside access roads are frequently constrained - particularly at passenger-dominated hub airports. Integrators and freight operators require swift aircraft turnaround and ample warehouse space, but these demands often compete with passenger growth for limited airport real estate. Airfreight demand is sensitive to global economic cycles, geopolitical


tensions, fuel prices and shifts in consumer behaviour. This volatility creates planning difficulties for airports, which must invest in long-term infrastructure while facing unpredictable cargo volumes. Air cargo is subject to rigorous international security and regulatory


requirements. Ensuring compliance with screening protocols, handling standards, and customs procedures adds cost and operational friction. For some airports, inconsistent national regulations can further reduce efficiency. Cargo


operations are labour-intensive, requiring skilled staff for


ramp handling, customs processing, and warehouse operations. Labour shortages, training demands, and the need to modernise equipment (such as automated handling systems) all contribute to operational risk. Advances in ocean freight reliability, expanding rail freight corridors, and


aggressive competition from globally recognised cargo hubs place pressure on mid-sized airports. To remain relevant, airports must differentiate through efficiency, service quality or specialised cargo niches.


Opportunities created by freight for airports While challenging, airfreight presents significant opportunities for airports seeking diversified revenue streams and strategic positioning. Cargo operations generate revenue through landing fees, warehouse


leases, cargo terminal operations, and value-added logistics services. Because freight cycles often differ from passenger travel trends, cargo activity can stabilise airport financial performance, particularly during economic downturns or travel disruptions. Airports that


intentionally build logistics ecosystems - featuring


distribution centres, cold-chain facilities, bonded warehouses and freight forwarders - can increase their regional economic value. Such clusters attract investment, create jobs, and stimulate supplementary services such as packaging, maintenance and e-commerce fulfilment. The rapid rise of e-commerce, fuelled by consumer demand for fast


delivery, is reshaping airfreight. Integrators and express carriers are expanding networks, creating opportunities for airports with the space and flexibility to accommodate dedicated hubs. Airports that


invest attracts


in modern cargo terminals and automation can position themselves as preferred partners for e-commerce players. Airports can differentiate by specialising in high-value or sensitive


cargo types - pharmaceuticals, perishables, live animals, or aerospace components.


Tailored facilities such as temperature-controlled


warehouses or high-security zones enable airports to capture specialised freight and premium yields.


The future of all-freight airports All-cargo airports - those focused primarily or exclusively on freight - face a mixed but promising future. While global aviation continues to prioritize passenger growth, several trends support the viability of freight-dedicated airports. The strongest prospects lie in regions with significant manufacturing


clusters, growing e-commerce markets, or congested passenger hubs unable to accommodate freighter traffic. As integrators and cargo airlines seek predictable, 24/7 operations with minimal slot constraints, all- freight airports can offer operational advantages that mixed-use airports cannot match. However, the long-term success of such airports depends on several sustained


factors: cargo demand, strong multimodal connections,


efficient customs processes and continuous investment in digitalization and automation. Without these foundations, all-freight airports risk under- utilisation or being bypassed in favour of larger global hubs. In summary, while only select markets will sustain dedicated cargo


airports, those aligned with logistics clusters, e-commerce distribution and flexible operating environments are well-positioned to thrive in the evolving global freight landscape.


See you next month!


James James GRAHAM, ACW Supplement Editor


The ACW Supplement Team


Supplement Editor: Head of Editorial: News Reporter:


Regional Representative (APAC):


James Graham Edward Hardy


Anastasiya Simsek Ajinkya Gurav


Regional Representative (North America): Oscar Sardinas General Manager & Director of Business Operations:


Kim Smith International Media Sales Director: Rosa Bellanca


Senior Publishing And Events Manager Chris Richman Finance Manager:


Design & Production Manager: Production Supervisor: Website Consultant:


Rachel Burns Alex Brown Kevin Dennis


Tim Brocklehurst


The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Whilst every care is taken, the publishers cannot be held legally responsible for any errors in articles or advertisements. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by electronic, mechanical, photographic or other means without the prior consent of the publishers. USA: The publishers shall not be liable for losses, claims, damages or expenses arising out of or attributed to the contents of Air Cargo Week, insofar as they are based on information, presentations, reports or data that have been publicly disseminated, furnished or otherwise communicated to Air Cargo Week.


AZURA INTERNATIONAL


In our next supplement, we look at Fresh Freight.


If you wish to be involved, please contact the editor, James Graham at james.graham@azurainternational.com.


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