Vienna Airport significantly increased its air cargo volume in the first half of 2025. According to Vienna Airport AG, a total of 154,001 tons were handled from January to June. This corresponds to an increase of 12,822 tons or nine percent compared with the previous year. Cargo in April and May developed particularly strongly, with increases of 13 and 15 percent respectively.
Executive Board member Julian Jäger stated: “With a plus of 9 percent, air cargo at Vienna Airport rose noticeably in the first half of 2025. We recorded strong gains especially in April with +13 percent and May with +15 percent. The drivers for this are primarily the e-commerce sector and the introduction of new long-haul connections from Vienna.”
Development
of individual segments
An essential contribution to the positive balance came from belly cargo in passenger traffic. It increased in the first half of the year to 67,070 tons, a rise of 9,476 tons or 16 percent compared with the previous year. In May, the increase even reached 25 percent, when 12,413 tons were transported in the bellies of passenger aircraft. The decline in pure cargo flights could thus be more than offset.
The Pharma Handling Center of the airport also grew. The amount handled there rose by 12 percent to 2,040 tons. Vienna Airport AG notes that this center belongs to the few specialized facilities in Central and Eastern Europe and ensures transport with a continuous cold chain.
Import and
export flows
Also in the import and export business, Vienna Airport reported rising numbers. From January to the end of June, 81,162 tons were imported into Vienna, an increase of four percent. Exports rose by 15 percent to 72,839 tons.
Senior Vice President Ground Handling & Cargo Operations, Michael Zach, emphasized the importance of this development:
“Vienna Airport sees further growth potential in e-commerce, especially in the area of pure cargo connections. For this growth we are prepared: the handling equipment is in place, freighter positions are fully built and located in immediate proximity to the cargo warehouse. In addition, we have well-trained and seasoned staff in ramp and cargo handling. For the second half of 2025 we expect a further
increase in imports to Europe.”
Importance for the freight market in Europe
With its location in the center of Europe, Vienna Airport positions itself, according to the company, as an important hub for Central and Eastern Europe. The site is particularly regarded as a significant transshipment hub for intercontinental trade to Asia and Southeast Europe. Ten aircraft stands of category F for wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 747 or Antonov An-124 are available in direct proximity to the cargo buildings.
For the logistics sector in road freight transport, the numbers underline the airport's role as a hub for supplying the region. The most important consumer and economic centers in Central and Eastern Europe can be reached within 24 or 48
