Cargo traffic at Liège Airport has started 2026 on a strong note, with freight volumes rising 18.6% year-on-year during the first two months of the year.
Between January and February, the Belgian cargo hub handled 219,807 tonnes of freight, while cargo aircraft movements increased by 6% to 4,653 operations, reflecting continued growth in the airport’s core logistics activity.
Strong monthly growth
In January, the airport processed 105,398 tonnes of cargo, an 18% increase compared with the 89,205 tonnes handled in the same month in 2025. Cargo aircraft movements also grew to 2,304 flights, up 5% year-on-year.
February, despite being a shorter month, saw 114,409 tonnes of freight, representing a 19% increase compared with 96,141 tonnes in February 2025. Aircraft movements rose 7.3% to 2,349 flights, compared with 2,190 in the previous year.
E-commerce and exports driving growth
The strong start to the year was driven by several factors, including a robust pre-Valentine flower export season and continued growth in the e-commerce sector, where Liège Airport has established itself as a leading European hub.
Export volumes played a major role in the growth, increasing 25% overall in the first two months of the year, while imports rose 14.6%. Exports to North America saw particularly strong growth, surging 86% compared with the same period in 2025.
Emirates SkyCargo expands operations
The airport also welcomed expanded operations from Emirates SkyCargo, which now operates up to six weekly freighter flights to Liège.
These services are flown by Boeing 777F aircraft. Three weekly flights connect Liège with Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai, primarily transporting pharmaceutical products. Another three weekly flights link the airport with Hong Kong, mainly carrying e-commerce shipments.
The expansion marks a shift from occasional charter flights to a regular scheduled presence, adding roughly 600 tonnes of cargo capacity per week to the Liège cargo hub.