The air freight volume had been declining for several years “before Corona”. In many countries, but not Austria, there was a real cargo boom during the pandemic. The Association of German Commercial Airports is of the opinion that a long-term upward trend is discernible.

In the year before the Covid 19 pandemic, more than 4,8 million tons of cargo were handled at German airports. Last year, despite the pandemic, it was 4,6 million tons. The slight decrease (-4,2%) masks the fact that there was a positive trend reversal in air freight volume during the Corona crisis - towards permanent growth.  

Air freight increased in April by +36,6 percent to 458.553 tons (to + from) (compared to 2019 +16,5 percent). The number of invitations increased by +39,5 percent to 235.036t tons (compared to 2019 +19 percent). The unloading increased by +33,6 percent to 223.517 tons (compared to 2019 +14,0 percent).

“Air freight logistics operates reliably in a crisis and helps maintain logistics chains. The Covid 19 crisis has shown that Germany depends on efficient logistics chains. A powerful infrastructure must be able to be used efficiently and economically. This requires competitive operating times and freight and express hubs that are open at night. Even after the Covid 19 pandemic, the airports will be an important pillar for the economic recovery in Germany as a business location. Now it is important to make the airports future-proof, secure connectivity and develop their infrastructure sustainably in line with demand, ”emphasizes Ralph Beisel, General Manager of the Airport Association ADV.