Cargo volumes at Brussels airport show 8% dip in 2022 compared to 2021, up 16% from 2019
In general, cargo volumes were under pressure all year round due to ongoing geopolitical tensions, lockdowns in China, the threat of a recession, and its impact on e-commerce
In 2022, the cargo volumes at Brussels Airport totaled 775,721 tonnes, which was down by 8% compared to 2021 and up by 16% compared to 2019. Flown cargo volumes fell by 7% compared to 2021 and increased by 24% compared to 2019. This decrease compared to 2021 is explained by a record year in 2021 (+30%) for the Brussels Airport cargo area.
As per an official press release by the company, in the full freighter segment, the airport also saw a 13% downturn compared to the same period in 2021 but a 78% increase compared to 2019. Belly cargo on the other hand increased by 27% compared to 2021 (but remains down by 22% on the 2019 figures), due to the continued increase in the number of passenger flights.
Finally, the integrator segment fell by 13% compared to 2021 but was still 24% up compared to 2019. In general, cargo volumes were under pressure all year round due to ongoing geopolitical tensions, lockdowns in China, the threat of a recession, and its impact on e-commerce.
In December, cargo transport at Brussels Airport dropped by 7% compared to December 2021. Downturns were also recorded in the full freighter segment (-9%), in the integrator segment (-12%), and in the trucked cargo segment (-9%). Due to the gradual increase in the number of passenger flights, the cargo volumes on board these aircraft increased by 9% compared to December 2021.
Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport sounded a hopeful note and said, “The year 2023 looks promising with new destinations and increased frequencies for both short and long-haul flights. Brussels Airport's cargo area has also done well this year after a record-breaking 2021.”
Flights
The number of flight movements in 2022 increased by 51% compared to 2021, totaling to 178,930 flight movements, but remaining 24% below the pre-crisis 2019 figures. The number of passenger flights rose sharply by 73% compared to 2021, a year marked by numerous restrictions, bringing the number of passenger flights to 69% of the 2019 figures. In 2022, the number of cargo flights decreased by 10% compared to 2021.
In December, 13,642 flight movements were recorded at Brussels Airport, an increase of 8% compared to December 2021. The number of passenger flights hit 72% of the 2019 figure. The number of cargo flights was up 34% in 2019 but fell by 15% compared to 2021.