Cargo and mail volumes have risen by 4.5 per cent in 2014, with the Middle East seeing the largest percentage rise, and Asia Pacific handling the highest tonnage, according to Airports Council International (ACI).
Cargo volumes in the Middle East rose by 8.9 per cent to seven million tonnes, with strong growth from Dubai World Central (DWC), see above. Asia Pacific saw the next highest growth, at six per cent to 39.2 million tonnes, the highest volume of any region.
In Europe, cargo volumes increased by 3.4 per cent to 18.4 million tonnes, just ahead of the percentage growth seen in North America, of 3.3 per cent to 28.8 million tonnes. Africa was up by 2.5 per cent to 1.8 million tonnes, the lowest tonnage of any region. Latin America was stagnant, expanding by 0.1 per cent to five million tonnes.
ACI World economic director, Rafael Echevarne, says: “Since the commencement of its operations, the airport has already moved up to the 29th busiest air cargo airport in the world handling almost 760,000 metric tonnes of cargo in 2014.”
The top four busiest airports in 2013 retained their positions for 2014. Hong Kong International Airport remained on top, handling 4.4 million tonnes in 2014, up six per cent on 2013. Memphis International Airport was second busiest, seeing cargo volumes increase by 2.9 per cent to 4.2 million tonnes.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport saw cargo rise by 8.6 per cent to 3.1 million tonnes, to keep third place. Incheon International Airport was up by 3.8 per cent to 2.5 million tonnes, making it fourth busiest.
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport moved up to fifth busiest, handling 2.5 million tonnes, up three per cent. It overtook Dubai International Airport, which saw cargo volumes fall by 3.1 per cent to 2.3 million tonnes.
Louisville International Airport retained seventh place, with cargo volumes increasing by 3.5 per cent to 2.3 million tonnes. Narita International Airport rose two places to eighth, with cargo increasing by 5.6 per cent to 2.1 million tonnes.
