Liège Airport cargo grows 4% despite sharp fall in e-commerce parcels

Liège Airport recorded a 4% increase in cargo tonnage in July 2026 despite a sharp decline in e-commerce parcels following the introduction of new European customs rules on 1 July.

The introduction of a €3 flat-rate charge on small e-commerce parcels immediately affected import flows through the Liège-Bierset customs zone. The number of e-commerce parcels fell 24% compared with July 2025 and 41% compared with June 2026, reflecting a significant reduction in business-to-consumer shipments valued below €150.

Customs declarations declined even more sharply, falling 52% year-on-year and 67% compared with June, as logistics operators adapted their activities to the new regulatory environment.

However, customs data indicate that parcels valued at more than €150 increased by 10%, suggesting a shift towards higher-value shipments and a rapid reorganisation of e-commerce flows.

Despite these changes, Liège Airport’s overall freight business continued to expand. Total cargo tonnage increased by 4% year-on-year while aircraft movements declined by 4%, indicating improved utilisation of available aircraft capacity.

Growth was supported by more traditional and specialised cargo segments, particularly pharmaceuticals, data-centre equipment and flowers, reducing the airport’s dependence on low-value e-commerce traffic.

Liège Airport is also continuing to invest in cold-chain infrastructure, reinforcing its position as a European hub for pharmaceuticals and other high-value, temperature-sensitive products.

The July figures provide an early indication that, although the new EU e-commerce rules are significantly reshaping small-parcel traffic, Liège Airport’s diversified cargo model has so far enabled overall freight volumes to continue growing.