Freight traffic in Europe continue to fly high with 8.4 per cent year-on-year (YOY) growth in January, helped by improved macro-economic conditions, especially in the Eurozone, Airports Council International (ACI) Europe.

The association says freight has been particularly strong at non-EU airports, with 13 per cent growth YOY and the EU registered a 7.1 per cent increase.

Freight in January was up 12.5 per cent compared to 2015 and 11.6 per cent compared to January 2014.

ACI Europe director general, Olivier Jankovec says: “2017 is off to a rather booming start for air traffic” for both passenger numbers and freight volumes.

He says: “Coupled with solid gains in freight traffic, this primarily reflects much improved macro-economic conditions – especially in the Eurozone where unemployment is at its lowest in 8 years and the economy has recorded 14 consecutive quarters of growth.”

Frankfurt Airport retained its position at the top, with 6.2 per cent growth in January to 158,649 tonnes, followed by Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, which grew 0.7 per cent to 151,421 tonnes.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol grew 7.3 per cent to 135,172 tonnes and Heathrow Airport was fourth with 4.4 per cent growth to 124,400 tonnes.

Cologne Airport rounded out the top five, handling 63,983 tonnes, an increase of 7.1 per cent.