Schiphol Cargo handled 1.5 million tonnes of air cargo in 2024, marking an 8.2% increase compared to 2023. The growth was largely driven by rising e-commerce volumes, global geopolitical developments, and ocean shipping constraints.
Key cargo categories included electronics, machinery, perishables, clothing, pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce shipments.
Shift Toward Belly Freight
The Full Freighter to Belly cargo ratio shifted to 57%–43%, up from 61%–39% in 2023, reflecting a growing reliance on passenger aircraft for freight. While full freighter flights slightly declined, increased aircraft capacity led to a 1% rise in full freighter tonnage. Belly freight saw a notable 19.8% increase, supported by the recovery of passenger flights.
Regional Performance
- Inbound tonnage grew 7.8%, driven by demand from the Middle East (India), Far East (China, Japan, Korea), Africa (Kenya, South Africa), and the U.S.
- Outbound tonnage increased by 8.8%, with strong demand from the U.S., the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
- Latin America was the only region to see a decline, partly due to route reallocations favoring Asia to accommodate surging e-commerce shipments.
Schiphol Cargo’s positive trajectory highlights its role as a key logistics hub, with continued expansion in belly freight expected in the coming years.