Vienna Airport reports exceptional growth in its cargo operations, handling 216,360 tons of cargo between January and September 2024. This represents a 20% increase from the previous year. The most notable growth came from belly cargo – freight carried in passenger aircraft. This surged by 45% to reach 90,692 tons compared to the same period in 2023. The strong performance underscores the airport’s growing significance in international air freight logistics.
Strong market demand continues to drive cargo growth at Vienna Airport. The third quarter of 2024 saw cargo volumes reach 75,242 tons, marking a substantial 25% increase year-over-year. September alone witnessed remarkable growth, with cargo handling reaching 18,094 tons – 25% higher than the previous year. This sustained upward trajectory reflects both market confidence and the airport’s enhanced operational capabilities.
The impressive growth can be attributed to strategic expansion in flight capacity and new airline partnerships. Notable developments include Qatar Airways Cargo’s introduction of a weekly service connecting Vienna with its Doha hub, launched in September 2024.
Additionally, the return of Chinese carrier Hainan Airlines to Vienna in late May has further strengthened the airport’s position in the Asian market. This created new opportunities for cargo transport between Europe and the Far East.
Vienna Airport is strengthening its position as a central cargo hub, says Julian Jäger, joint CEO and COO. Our modern infrastructure and superior service quality create perfect conditions for swift, efficient cargo handling.
The 45% growth in belly freight, along with increasing airline partnerships, confirms our crucial role as a logistics bridge between Europe and Asia. This success reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in state-of-the-art facilities and streamlined processes.
Michael Zach, Senior Vice President of Ground Handling & Cargo Operations, emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the growth. September’s growth across all sectors freight-only flights, belly freight, and trucking is particularly encouraging.
New flight connections and additional cargo services highlight our strategic importance in the region. Our strong performance demonstrates our ability to meet international logistics needs in a dynamic market while maintaining reliable partnerships with cargo customers. We continue to adapt and enhance our services to meet evolving industry demands.
Vienna Airport’s strategic European location has established it as a vital global cargo hub serving Central and Eastern Europe. The facility’s geographic positioning makes it an ideal transit point for international cargo flows, particularly between Eastern and Western markets. Leading cargo airlines utilize the facility extensively for intercontinental transport, benefiting from its round-the-clock operations and rapid transshipment capabilities.
The airport’s infrastructure is specifically designed to handle large-scale cargo operations efficiently. It features ten Category F aircraft parking spaces, capable of accommodating the largest cargo aircraft including Boeing 747s and Antonov 124s.
These spaces are strategically positioned near terminal buildings to minimize transfer times and optimize operational efficiency. In terms of ground connectivity, Vienna Airport maintains strong integration with European air cargo road feeder services.
This comprehensive network enables quick access to major business and consumer centers across Central and Eastern Europe, with delivery times ranging from 24 to 48 hours. This multimodal approach to cargo handling enhances the airport’s value proposition for international logistics operators.
As a publicly-traded company on the Vienna Stock Exchange, Flughafen Wien AG has established itself as a major regional employer, with a workforce exceeding 5,400 people. This substantial employment base not only contributes to the local economy but also ensures the airport maintains high service standards across its expanding cargo operations.
