Vienna Airport concluded 2024 with record-breaking air cargo performance, handling an impressive 297,945 tons of cargo. This marks a remarkable 22% growth compared to the previous year and a 5% increase over the pre-pandemic year of 2019. The surge in long-haul services played a pivotal role, with high demand for additional belly capacity in passenger aircraft driving the results. Additionally, the airport set a new all-time high in pharmaceutical handling, processing 4,238 tons—a 15.3% increase—highlighting its role as a critical hub for specialized cargo.

“With the best cargo results in the history of Vienna Airport, we are strengthening our position as a central hub for air cargo services in Central and Eastern Europe. This record clearly proves our first-class infrastructure and high quality of service, convincing customers worldwide. The strong growth is evident in both imported goods and global exports. The record regarding pharmaceutical handling is particularly pleasing: Vienna Airport is thus establishing itself even more strongly as a leading logistics expert for pharmaceutical shipments”, says Julian Jäger, joint CEO and COO of Vienna Airport.
 
“The record result for 2024 marks an impressive achievement by our cargo handling team. At the same time, we have set the course for further positive development. With the extension of the handling contract with Lufthansa Cargo and the IATA certification for the handling of lithium batteries, we have already taken the next steps to maintain a sustained growth path”, adds Michael Zach, Senior Vice President Ground Handling & Cargo Operations of Vienna Airport.

The resurgence of major Asian airlines, including Hainan Airlines and All Nippon Airways (ANA), significantly boosted Vienna Airport’s cargo performance in 2024. With new belly capacities added on routes to Shenzhen, Chengdu, and Tokyo, along with increased frequencies from carriers like Qatar Airways, cargo transported on passenger aircraft surged by 44%, reaching 125,103 tons. Freighter-only cargo volumes remained steady at 82,610 tons, reflecting a slight 3% dip. Additionally, trucked cargo volumes saw a remarkable 24% rise, contributing 90,199 tons to the airport’s new freight record.

Vienna Airport handled 163,026 tons of import cargo in 2024, marking a 20% increase as growing e-commerce demand from Asia drove volumes. The imports were distributed across Austria and neighboring Central and Eastern European markets. On the export side, the airport processed 134,918 tons, a significant 23% year-over-year increase, with Asia and the USA remaining key markets.

Pharma Handling Reaches New Milestone

The Vienna Airport Pharma Handling Center, renowned for managing temperature-sensitive goods, achieved another record in 2024, handling 4,238 tons—a 15.3% increase over the previous year. As one of the few airports in the Central and Eastern European region with a dedicated pharmaceutical handling facility, Vienna Airport continues to set industry benchmarks with its uninterrupted cold chain solutions for pharmaceutical goods.

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