Cargo traffic through Brussels Airport increased strongly in April, driven by growing demand for freight services to and from Asia, despite continued disruption affecting Middle East air routes.
The airport handled 73,964 tonnes of cargo during the month, up 6.2% compared with April 2025.
Air cargo volumes alone rose by 6.4%, supported by continued growth in express freight services and a sharp increase in full freighter operations, which climbed by 23.5%. The airport said higher cargo demand on Asian routes was a major factor behind the increase.
However, cargo transported in the holds of passenger aircraft, known as belly cargo, fell by 8%. Brussels Airport attributed the decline mainly to cancelled passenger flights to the Middle East amid ongoing regional instability.
Trucked cargo volumes, where freight is moved by road between airports and logistics hubs, also increased by 5.2%.
Asia and North America remained the airport’s largest import markets in April, with both regions recording strong growth alongside Africa.
The same regions also accounted for the main export destinations, with further gains reported in trade flows to North America and Africa.
The latest figures underline the continued resilience of the European air freight market, particularly for long-haul cargo operations, despite geopolitical pressures and supply chain disruption.
Alongside the rise in cargo activity, Brussels Airport also reported a 3% increase in commercial flight movements compared with the same month last year.
Passenger flights increased by 3.1%, while cargo flight movements rose by 5.4%, reflecting growing demand for dedicated freight capacity.