Liège Airport has kicked off 2025 with strong momentum, handling 296,188 tonnes of cargo in the first quarter, a 5.6% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This growth places the Belgian air cargo hub well ahead of the global market, which saw a more modest 3% increase during the same timeframe, according to preliminary figures from WorldACD Market Data.
“Liège Airport’s growth is nearly double the global average, achieved in a climate of uncertainty marked by slowing world trade, rising U.S. tariffs, and the upcoming end of de minimis duty-free exemptions for certain goods from China and Hong Kong as of May 2, 2025,” the airport noted in a statement.
A closer look at transatlantic activity reveals significant movement. Exports from Liège to North America surged by 42% in Q1 2025, partly fueled by a spike in Asia and Turkey-to-U.S. transit volumes. The airport attributed this to companies likely accelerating shipments ahead of anticipated U.S. tariff hikes. On the flip side, imports from the U.S. dropped by 12%, impacted by sluggish U.S. economic activity, softened EU demand, and fewer inbound cargo flights.
Despite the uncertainty, Liège Airport reported no immediate changes to flight schedules among its cargo partners. However, it cautioned: “Uncertainties are not conducive to international trade, and a slowdown in air freight cannot be ruled out.”
March 2025 figures further reinforced Liège’s robust performance. The airport processed 111,160 tonnes of cargo, up 6.2% year-on-year—with 2,389 cargo aircraft movements, a 7% increase. Across Q1, a total of 6,772 cargo flights were operated, representing a 6.2% rise compared to the first quarter of 2024.