Top 10 cargo airports 2022

Introduction

Have you ever wondered about the busiest cargo airports in the world? As someone passionate about studying the latest trends in transportation and logistics, I find it fascinating to explore the role that airports play in facilitating global trade and commerce. I have compiled a list of the top ten busiest cargo airports in the world.

10. Narita International Airport (NRT), Japan

• Narita International Airport (NRT) in Japan ranks tenth in the list of the busiest cargo airports in the world, according to the ACI ranking.
• Opened on May 26, 1978.
• Narita Airport handles a significant volume of cargo traffic. In 2022, the airport processed 2.399 million tonnes of cargo, while in 2021, it handled 2.644 million tonnes of cargo. The difference between these years amounted to 9.28%.
• Narita Airport is located in Narita, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. It serves as the main international airport for the Tokyo region and has a strategic location in East Asia.
• Narita is a key hub for several cargo airlines, including ANA Cargo, Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA), DHL Aviation, and FedEx Express. These companies provide cargo transportation on domestic routes within Japan and to many other countries around the world. In 2022, NCA transported over 400,000 tonnes of cargo, and DHL Aviation handled over 300,000 tonnes of cargo on flights to and from Narita.
• Narita is a major airport for exporting and importing automobiles in Japan. In 2022, over 150,000 vehicles were transported through Narita Airport.
• Narita Airport is actively expanding and modernizing its cargo capabilities. For example, in 2022, a project to expand the cargo terminal was launched to increase its handling capacity and improve services for cargo airlines.

9. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), United States

• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) ranks ninth among the busiest cargo airports in the world, according to the ACI ranking.
• Opened on September 13, 1928.
• In 2021, LAX handled 2.692 million tonnes of cargo. In 2022, it handled 2.49 million tonnes, representing a 7.5% decrease in cargo volume.
• Los Angeles International Airport is located in Los Angeles, California and is one of the largest and most important airports in the United States.
• It serves as a key hub for cargo airlines operating between the U.S. and various international destinations. Over 700,000 tonnes of cargo were transported to and from China through this airport, along with over 300,000 tonnes from Latin America.
• LAX is a base for several major cargo airlines, including United Cargo, FedEx Express, UPS Airlines, and DHL Aviation. In 2021, UPS processed approximately 600,000 tonnes of cargo through LAX.
• With modern infrastructure and advanced cargo handling facilities, Los Angeles International Airport ensures high efficiency and timely delivery of goods to their destinations.
• Los Angeles is known for its industry and trade, generating a significant volume of air cargo traffic. Its role in international trade and the development of the global economy is also essential.
• LAX is actively expanding its infrastructure for cargo transportation. In 2022, a project to expand the LAX Cargo North terminal and construct a new Midfield Satellite Concourse cargo terminal was launched to increase the airport's cargo handling capacity.

8. Miami International Airport (MIA), United States

• Miami International Airport (MIA) is one of the leading cargo airports in the United States, ranking eighth in the 2022 rating.
• Opened in 1928, it has a rich history and significant achievements in the field of cargo transportation.
• In 2021, Miami Airport handled 2.137 million tonnes of cargo, and its cargo traffic continues to grow. In 2022, the airport reached the milestone of 2.5 million tonnes of cargo, increasing the volume by 17%.
• Miami Airport is strategically located, serving as a vital transportation link between North and South America and between the U.S. and other regions of the world.
• Over 100 airlines engage in cargo transportation through Miami Airport, including industry giants such as FedEx, UPS, DHL, and others.
• In 2021, Miami Airport ranked second in the U.S. in terms of the volume of perishable goods transported, such as flowers, fruits, and vegetables.
• The strength of Miami Airport lies in its geographical location. Situated in the heart of Florida, Miami is an important trade center and a popular tourist destination.

7. Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), Taiwan

• Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is the seventh busiest cargo airport in the world, according to the ACI ranking.
• Opened on February 26, 1979.
• In 2022, the airport handled 2.539 million tonnes of cargo, which is 9.71% less than in 2021.
• Taoyuan International Airport is located in the northern part of Taiwan, strategically positioned in East Asia. It is well-connected to major cities in Asia, including Shanghai, Tokyo, and Seoul.
• Taoyuan International Airport is known as a well-connected and leading cargo airport in Asia. It serves as a hub for major cargo carriers, including China Airlines Cargo, FedEx Express, and UPS Airlines, among others.
• Taiwan has a developed manufacturing industry, particularly in electronics and semiconductors, generating a significant volume of air cargo traffic.

6. Incheon International Airport (ICN), South Korea

• Incheon International Airport (ICN) ranks sixth among the busiest cargo airports in the world, according to the ACI ranking.
• Opened on March 29, 2001.
• In 2021, the airport processed 3.329 million tonnes of cargo, while in 2022, it handled 2.946 million tonnes. The cargo volume decreased by 11.54% in the year.
• Located in South Korea, Incheon International Airport occupies a strategic location connecting major cities in Asia, Europe, and America. This makes it an ideal hub for cargo carriers seeking to transport goods between different regions.
• It serves as a hub for several cargo airlines, including AeroLogic, Air China Cargo, Air France Cargo, DHL Aviation, and Emirates Sky Cargo.
• Incheon International Airport is equipped with modern infrastructure and advanced cargo handling facilities, allowing the airport to efficiently process a large volume of cargo and ensure timely delivery to the destination.
• South Korea has a strong industry, particularly in electronics, creating a significant flow of air cargo traffic. This further contributes to the airport's status as a major cargo hub.
• Incheon International Airport offers a wide range of cargo services, including temperature-controlled storage and handling, handling of dangerous goods, and transportation of live animals. This makes it an attractive choice for cargo carriers seeking specialized services.
• The airport continues to enhance its services and infrastructure to meet the changing needs of the cargo industry and cater to the demand for air cargo transportation in the future.

5. Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF), United States

• Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) ranks fifth among the busiest cargo airports in the world, according to the ACI ranking.
• Started operations in 1941.
• The modern and larger facilities of Louisville Muhammad Ali Airport were built in the 1980s.
• In 2021, the airport handled 3.052 million tonnes of cargo. In 2022, the cargo volume remained almost unchanged, reaching 3.067 million tonnes with a difference of 0.49%.
• The airport serves as a major hub for United Parcel Service (UPS), one of the largest cargo carriers in the world. The UPS terminal has a capacity to process over 400,000 packages per hour.
• Located in Kentucky, the airport is situated in the heart of the United States and has excellent connectivity to major markets in North America, Europe, and Asia. This makes it an ideal location for cargo carriers aiming to transport goods between regions.
• Louisville has a strong industry and logistics sector, creating a significant flow of air cargo traffic. This further contributes to the airport's status as a major cargo hub.

4. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), China

• Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) ranked fourth among the busiest cargo airports in the world in 2022, according to the ACI ranking.
• Opened on September 16, 1999.
• In 2021, it handled 3.982 million tonnes of cargo, while in 2022, it processed 3.117 million tonnes. The difference was 27.77%.
• Located in Shanghai, China, PVG serves as a key hub for cargo transportation in the Asia-Pacific region.
• One of the key reasons for PVG's success is its central location in China, making it a gateway to the country's vast manufacturing and export industries.
• Shanghai Pudong Airport features a specialized cargo terminal spanning over 120,000 square meters.
• PVG is also home to two major Chinese cargo airlines, China Cargo Airlines and China Eastern Airlines Cargo. These airlines operate over 50 cargo aircraft, providing extensive coverage of domestic and international routes. PVG also serves as a hub for several other cargo airlines, including UPS, FedEx, and DHL.

3. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), United States

• Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) ranked third among the busiest cargo airports in the world in 2022.
• Opened in 1951.
• In 2022, it handled 3.462 million tonnes of cargo, which is a decrease of 2.61% compared to 2021.
• Located in Anchorage, Alaska, the airport serves as a key connection point between Asia, Europe, and North America, making it a vital hub for cargo transportation.
• One of the key reasons for ANC's success is its strategic location. The airport is situated at the northernmost point of the United States, with easy access to major air routes between Asia and North America. This makes it an attractive choice for cargo carriers seeking to efficiently transport goods between continents.
• The airport has a specialized cargo terminal spanning over 400,000 square meters, along with advanced cargo tracking, sorting, and handling systems. Additionally, it has a wide range of cargo handling equipment, high-capacity cargo loaders, refrigerated warehouses, and facilities for handling live animals.
• ANC has established itself as a leader in the transportation of perishable goods, such as seafood and flowers. The airport has implemented strict temperature control measures and other measures to ensure that these products arrive in optimal condition, contributing to the thriving seafood and horticulture industries of Alaska.

2. Memphis International Airport (MEM), United States

• Memphis International Airport (MEM) has long been a hub for cargo aviation and solidified its position as the second busiest cargo airport in the world in 2022.
• Opened in 1929.
• MEM handled 4.043 million tonnes of cargo in 2022, representing a decrease of 9.75%.
• Located in Memphis, Tennessee, Memphis International Airport serves as a vital link in the global supply chain, connecting businesses and consumers worldwide.
• The success of MEM is tied to its partnership with FedEx, which has its international hub at the airport. FedEx has helped establish MEM as a major player in cargo aviation. The airport has invested in infrastructure and technology to support the company's operations, including a high-capacity sorting center and dedicated ramps and runways for FedEx cargo aircraft.
• In addition to FedEx, MEM also serves as a hub for several other cargo airlines, including UPS, DHL, and Amazon Air.
• Its strategic location in the central part of the United States, with easy access to major highways and railway lines, makes it an attractive choice for companies seeking to quickly and efficiently move goods.

1. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), China

• Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) ranked first among the busiest cargo airports in the world in 2022.
• Opened on July 6, 1998.
• In 2022, it handled a remarkable 4.199 million tonnes of cargo, which is a decrease of 19.69% compared to 2021.
• HKG, located on Chek Lap Kok Island, serves as a crucial gateway between Asia and the rest of the world, facilitating trade between countries and continents.
• The Hong Kong hub is strategically positioned in the center of the Asia-Pacific region and within a five-hour flight of half the world's population.
• HKG has invested significantly in infrastructure and technology to enhance its cargo handling capabilities. Its modern facilities include a specialized cargo terminal spanning over 240,000 square meters, along with advanced cargo tracking, sorting, and handling systems.
• Hong Kong Airport has established itself as a leading player in e-commerce, with a growing number of companies utilizing the airport as a gateway for delivering goods to and from Asia.
• The airport is embracing new technologies and innovations, such as drone delivery and robotic cargo handling systems, to meet the rapidly evolving demands of the industry.