Luis Felipe de Oliveria, Director General of ACI World stated that, “Air cargo has decreased slightly year over year, but it is important to remember that the sector is recalibrating from the historic highs of the past few years. Cargo traffic is concentrated in the hub airports, and Hong Kong retains its top spot.”

ACI in its report has noted that, air cargo volumes in the top 20 airports represented around 42% (47.9 million tonnes) of the global volumes in 2023. The report further asserted that, the cargo volumes dropped 3.2% in 2023 YoY, but maintained a steady climb if 1.6% against 47.1 million tonnes, as compared to the pre Covid-19 era in 2019.

“The decline can be attributed to the ongoing geopolitical tensions and disruptions to global trade and supply chains”, added Luis Felipe de Oliveria.

Hong Kong International Airport remains the world’s busiest air cargo hub, handling approximately 5 million metric tons of cargo in 2023. Situated at the heart of Asia, Hong Kong serves as a critical gateway for trade between East and West. Its proximity to Mainland China, one of the world’s largest manufacturing hubs, significantly boosts its cargo volumes. HKG boasts some of the most advanced cargo handling facilities in the world, including extensive warehousing, cold chain logistics, and seamless customs operations. The airport’s highly efficient logistics and operational management ensure swift turnaround times, attracting major international cargo airlines and freight forwarders.

While Hong Kong leads the pack, other airports also play pivotal roles in global air cargo logistics. Memphis International Airport, home to FedEx’s global hub, ranks second, reflecting the dominance of integrator hubs in the air cargo industry. Similarly, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, the central hub for UPS, ranks sixth.

Asian airports continue to dominate the list, with Shanghai Pudong, Incheon, and Taipei Taoyuan securing high positions. This highlights the region’s critical role in global manufacturing and supply chain networks. The presence of major logistics hubs in North America, such as Anchorage and Miami, underscores the importance of these locations as trans-shipment points for intercontinental cargo flows.

The ACI rankings are influenced by several key factors such as, the economic vitality of the regions surrounding these airports drives cargo volumes. Airports in regions with high manufacturing output or strong consumer markets tend to handle more cargo. Furthermore, Continuous investments in infrastructure and technology enable airports to handle higher volumes efficiently. For instance, Shanghai Pudong’s expansion projects have significantly boosted its cargo capacity. On the other hand, political stability and favorable trade policies attract more cargo traffic. Airports in politically stable regions with open trade policies are preferred by global shippers. Adoption of advanced technologies, such as automation and digitalisation, enhances operational efficiency and cargo handling capacity.

The ACI World report provides valuable insights into the dynamics of the global air cargo industry. The dominance of Asian and North American airports reflects the ongoing shifts in global trade patterns. The strategic positioning of these hubs plays a crucial role in facilitating international trade and ensuring the smooth flow of goods across borders.

The growing focus on sustainability in the aviation industry also impacts air cargo operations. Airports are increasingly investing in green technologies and sustainable practices to reduce their environmental footprint. This trend is likely to shape the future landscape of air cargo logistics. The integration of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT), is transforming the air cargo industry. These technologies enhance transparency, efficiency, and security in cargo operations, offering significant benefits to stakeholders. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of resilience and adaptability in the air cargo sector. Airports that quickly adapted to changing circumstances, such as shifts in cargo demand and health regulations, managed to sustain their operations and maintain high cargo volumes.