The ACI World data says that Hong Kong handled 4.9 million tonnes in 2024, up 14.1% on 2023 and 2.7% higher than 2019.
Commenting on the achievement, Vivian Cheung, CEO of Airport Authority Hong Kong says the airport is further enhancing cargo services with the Three-Runway System and new cargo handling facilities being established at the airport.
She says, “We will continue to work with the air cargo community to leverage the unique advantages at HKIA, strengthen our resilience amid the economic uncertainties and challenges, and reinforce HKIA as the world’s leading aviation hub.”
Cathay Cargo congratulated Hong Kong on retaining the top spot with Director Tom Owen saying it is an outstanding achievement that stands as testament to the cooperation, innovation and facilities at the airport.
He says Cathay Cargo is not resting on its laurels as it will continue investing in its fleet, network, facilities and digital capabilities for the airport’s long-term future.
Owen says, “We look forward to continuing to work together with the entire air cargo community, including the Transport and Logistics Bureau, Civil Aviation Department, Airport Authority Hong Kong and other important stakeholders, to innovate and ensure HKIA maintains its position as the world’s best and busiest air cargo hub.”
Global air cargo volumes grew by 8.4% in 2024 to over 124 million tonnes, according to ACI World, and volumes are 3.9% above 2019.
The top 10 airports handled 32.3 million tonnes in 2024, 9.3% above 2023 and 9.5% higher than 2019.
Air cargo is benefiting from strong e-commerce demand, maritime shipping disruption and declines in jet fuel prices.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport overtook Memphis International Airport to take second place with 9.8% year-on-year growth to 3.7 million tonnes, 4% higher than 2019.
Volumes at Memphis airport fell 3.3% year-on-year to 3.7 million tonnes and were 13.2% lower than 2019, making it the only airport in the top 10 to see a fall.
Miami International Airport was the biggest mover in the USA from its pre-pandemic position, moving from 12th in 2019 to 7th in 2024 with 2.7 million tonnes, up 9% compared to 2023 and 31.6% on 2019.
Anchorage and Louisville were the other US airports in the top 10 and both have seen volumes grow.
In 2024, Anchorage retained its place as the fourth busiest cargo airport in the world with 3.7 million tonnes of cargo, including transit freight, up 9.4% from 2023 and 34.7% from 2019 when it was in sixth position.
Louisville moved from sixth to fifth position with 15.6% growth to 3.1 million tonnes.
Its volumes were 13% higher than 2019 when Louisville was the fourth busiest cargo airport.
Guangzhou International Airport was a new entry in the top 10, moving from 17th in 2019 to 11th in 2023 up to 9th in 2024.
It handled 2.3 million tonnes in 2024, up 16.9% on 2023 and 23.6% higher than 2019.