Hong Kong retains top slot among top 20 cargo airports
Memphis and Shanghai Pudong followed with 3.9 million tonnes (down 4%) and 3.4 million tonnes (up 10%), respectively
Hong Kong retained its first position with a three percent increase in cargo handled at over 4.3 million tonnes in 2023.
Memphis and Shanghai Pudong followed with 3.9 million tonnes (down four percent) and 3.4 million tonnes (up 10 percent), respectively, according to the latest data from Airports Council International (ACI).
"Air cargo volumes are estimated to have decreased -1.8 percent year over year (-4.9 percent versus 2019), finishing close to 115 million tonnes in 2023.
"Air cargo traffic is more concentrated among the main airports. Air cargo volumes in the top 20 airports, representing around 42 percent (47.9 million tonnes) of the global volumes in 2023, dropped -3.2 percent in 2023 year over year but kept a gain of +1.6 percent vs 47.1 million tonnes in 2019.
"The decline can be attributed to the ongoing geopolitical tensions and disruptions to global trade and supply chains."
Luis Felipe de Oliveira, CEO, Airports Council International says: "“Air cargo has decreased slightly year over year but it is important to remember that the sector is recalibrating from the historic highs of the past few years. Cargo traffic is concentrated in the hub airports and Hong Kong retains its top spot.
“However, whatever position in the rankings an airport occupies, each is integral to the communities it serves. Airports are resilient, adaptable and support social and economic development. ACI World continues to advocate for airports worldwide to ensure their societal benefits are enjoyed by as many people as possible.”
The dataset’s key findings confirm total global passenger traffic for 2023 was close to 8.7 billion, driven by a continued resurgence in international traffic. The segment was propelled by several factors, including the anticipated benefits from the reopening of the Asian markets and a growing inclination towards travel despite macroeconomic conditions, the update added.
2023 global aircraft movements were close to 96 million, representing a gain of 12.6 percent from 2022 or a recovery of 92.8 percent vs pre-pandemic period(2019).
The top 20 airports, representing close to 11 percent of global traffic (10.5 million movements), witnessed a gain of 12.2 percent YoY, the update added.
