Cargo First, the dedicated cargo division of Bournemouth Airport, has announced the completion and commissioning of major new cargo handling facilities, marking a significant step-change in the airport’s freight handling capability and capacity.
The project forms part of a wider multi-million-pound investment programme across the Bournemouth Airport estate by its owners, Regional & City Airports (RCA). The expansion includes three brand-new ICAO Code E aircraft stands, a larger Customs-bonded cargo operations centre, and extensive landside infrastructure works to improve truck access and servicing areas.
With this development, Cargo First has effectively doubled the airport’s cargo infrastructure, consolidating operations into a purpose-built zone on the northern side of the airfield. The investment also creates new opportunities for logistics companies to co-locate warehousing alongside airside facilities within the airport’s 200-acre business park.
The airport’s fast-growing cargo operation now employs more than 80 staff.
Strategic Investment Strengthens Bournemouth’s Position as a UK Cargo Hub
Steve Gill, Managing Director of Bournemouth Airport, said:
“The completion of these new facilities marks a significant milestone for Bournemouth Airport and Cargo First.
They not only provide the infrastructure to support our fast-growing cargo business but also reinforce our position as a highly attractive alternative to congested London hubs.
With record volumes already passing through the airport last year, this investment underlines our ambitions as the UK’s newest import/export air hub.”
State-of-the-Art Facilities to Support Continued Growth
Key features of the expansion include:
- Airside works: Three new ICAO Code E aircraft stands accommodating aircraft up to Airbus A340 size; 15,450 m² of new concrete pavement, 7,000 tonnes of tarmac resurfacing, and airside roads, taxiways, and a new vehicle checkpoint.
- Customs-bonded cargo centre: A 3,000 m² warehouse, double the previous size, featuring a 450 m² powered cargo transit system, screening areas, offices, welfare facilities, and in-flight catering storage.
- Landside infrastructure: A 4,000 m² paved area providing improved access, new truck bays, and an enlarged landside service yard, all delivered within a redeveloped brownfield site.
Record Growth Driven by E-Commerce and Exports
Cargo First handled a record 31,000 tonnes of freight in the 12 months to March 2025, ranking Bournemouth eighth among UK airfreight airports — a 70% year-on-year increase.
The airport’s growth has been driven by booming e-commerce imports and rising exports, particularly in high-value UK-manufactured goods.
Iain Edwards, Chief Operating Officer of European Cargo, one of Bournemouth’s principal freight operators, added:
“The new facilities are a real boost to our business.
Bournemouth Airport offers us the flexibility and speed that are critical in air cargo, and the expansion means we can look forward to handling even more volumes efficiently.
It’s a huge advantage to operate away from the congestion of the London hubs, while still being able to deliver consignments into the London market faster than if we flew there directly.”