Brussels Airport saw cargo volumes decline 1.8 per cent in February compared to the same month last year – but was boosted by the extra day in the month which accounts for three per cent of the total.
The fall was driven by freighter traffic, which dropped a significant 14.5 per cent as the gateway struggles to overcome the loss of Ethiopian Cargo in October last year and was the sole reason for this massive plunge.
But there could be good news as the airport explains: “Thanks to the amendment of the bilateral agreement with Ethiopia, the federal government has created the possibility of having this cargo volume once again transported via Brussels Airport. The airport is consulting with the company about a return.”
The airport says belly cargo rose by 4.3 per cent and the volume of integrator cargo rose by 2.9 per cent in comparison with February last year, which was only a 28-day month.
In February, Brussels handled 37,771 tonnes of cargo, down on the 38,463 tonnes in February last year. Freighter cargo made up 9,710 tonnes, integrator 16,004 tonnes and belly 12,057 tonnes.
