Vienna Airport closed 2024 with an impressive result in the air freight sector. A new record was set with 297.945 tons of cargo handled, which corresponds to a remarkable increase of 22 percent compared to the previous year. Compared to 2019, the last year before the pandemic, an increase of 5 percent was achieved. This underlines the dynamic development of Vienna Airport as a hub for international air freight traffic.
The positive results in the air cargo sector reflect not only the general recovery of the global economy following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but also the targeted investments and consistent development of the airport, which have made it a leading hub in Central and Eastern Europe. In particular, the expanded long-haul offering and the increased use of passenger aircraft for cargo transport have had a significant impact on growth.
Stronger connection to Asia and the USA as growth drivers
A key factor in the good result was the return of major airlines from Asia. Hainan Airlines resumed the connection between Vienna and Shenzhen, and All Nippon Airways (ANA) increased its presence on the route to Tokyo. This expansion contributed to an increase in belly capacity, i.e. the cargo space in passenger aircraft. The additional cargo space was in high demand and caused the cargo carried in passenger aircraft to rise by 44 percent to a total of 125.103 tons. The increased frequencies of Qatar Airways on the route to Vienna also contributed to the positive development.
In comparison, air freight transported in pure cargo aircraft remained at a similar level to the previous year at 82.610 tonnes. The increasing importance of belly freight shows the airport's increasing flexibility and increased capacities, which make it possible to achieve consistently high handling figures even in times of a fluctuating market.
E-commerce and increasing imports as drivers
Another striking element of freight growth is the strong increase in imports, which increased by 2024 percent to 20 tons in 163.026. A significant proportion of this increase is due to the growing volumes of e-commerce goods from Asia. Vienna Airport has established itself as a preferred hub for trade with Asia and the USA. In addition to international goods traffic, the growing volume of exports is particularly evident: 134.918 tons were shipped from Vienna to the world's most important markets, especially Asia and the USA. The export value rose by a remarkable 23 percent, further underlining the airport's importance as an international freight hub.
The development in the area of pharmaceutical handling is particularly noteworthy. In 2024, a new record was reached with 4.238 tons, which corresponds to an increase of 15,3 percent compared to the previous year. Vienna Airport has established itself as one of the leading locations for the handling of temperature-controlled pharmaceuticals. This is supported by the Vienna Airport Pharma Handling Center, a specialized competence center for medical cargo. The center offers an uninterrupted cold chain, which is essential for the safe transport of medicines and vaccines. Vienna Airport is thus one of the few European airports to offer such a specialized infrastructure.
The course for the future is set
The positive developments in 2024 are not only the result of a strong year, but also the fruit of a long-term strategy. Vienna Airport has not only expanded its capacities, but has also concluded important partnerships and cooperation agreements. One example of this is the extended handling contract with Lufthansa Cargo, which is seen as a further step towards long-term growth. The IATA certification for the handling of lithium batteries also shows that the airport is keeping pace with the changing requirements of the global logistics industry.
The airport's importance as a logistics hub in Central and Eastern Europe is also underlined by its geographical location. As a central point of contact for intercontinental transport, the airport offers fast turnaround times and 24-hour operational readiness. In combination with 10 aircraft parking spaces for wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and the Antonov 124, Vienna Airport offers a first-class infrastructure for air freight transport.