Vienna Airport cargo operations have maintained impressive growth in 2024, fueled largely by a significant surge in export demand. Recent data confirms a steady upward trajectory, reinforcing the airport’s strategic position as a central European logistics hub. This consistent Vienna Airport cargo growth underscores the region’s robust economic activity and the airport’s evolving capabilities.
Between January and September, the airport handled a total of 233,233 tonnes of air freight. This figure represents an 8% increase compared to the same period last year. A key driver of this growth is the double-digit jump in exports, which significantly outpaced imports.
Key Drivers of Cargo Growth
The expansion of Vienna Airport cargo volumes is not isolated to a single metric. Several factors contributed to this strong performance, demonstrating a diversified and resilient operation.
Surging Export and Bellyhold Demand
The most striking growth came from outbound shipments. Exports soared by 11% to 107,949 tonnes, highlighting strong international demand for goods moving through Austria. Conversely, imports saw a steady 5% rise to 125,284 tonnes.
Furthermore, cargo transported in the bellyholds of passenger aircraft grew by 2%, reaching 92,604 tonnes. This segment experienced particularly strong summer months, with July and August volumes up by 12% and 10% respectively. This indicates that passenger network recovery also provides a stable foundation for cargo movement.
Pharmaceutical and Specialized Logistics Thrive
The Vienna Pharma Handling Center, a dedicated facility for temperature-sensitive goods, also reported significant growth. It handled 3,307 tonnes of pharmaceuticals, a 7.4% year-on-year increase. This consistent performance highlights the airport’s expertise in handling high-value, time-critical commodities.
Michael Zach, Senior Vice President for Ground Handling and Cargo Operations, stated that the rising volumes confirm Vienna’s role as a diversified hub. He credited “streamlined processes and an experienced workforce” for supporting complex logistics across general freight, e-commerce, and pharmaceuticals. For global air cargo trends, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) provides regular market analysis.
Strategic Expansion with New Carrier AirZeta
The Vienna Airport cargo network recently received a major boost with the addition of a new carrier, AirZeta. The South Korean cargo airline has selected Vienna as its European hub, a significant endorsement of the airport’s infrastructure and strategic location.
New Freighter Connection to South Korea
AirZeta plans to operate six weekly Boeing 747 freighter flights between Vienna and Incheon, South Korea. This new route will significantly enhance cargo capacity and connectivity between Europe and Asia. The flights are expected to transport a diverse mix of goods, including:
- Automotive components
- Battery materials
- High-tech goods
- Pharmaceuticals
- E-commerce cargo
This new partnership is a direct response to growing demand and is poised to further accelerate Vienna Airport cargo volumes in the coming months. You can explore more about Vienna’s cargo services on their official cargo website.