The World Cargo Summit 2025 in Ostend, Belgium, set the stage for a compelling debate on the future of air cargo, with a strong emphasis on the role of regional airports in global logistics. The event, hosted at Casino Kursaal, marked a significant shift in industry focus—challenging the dominance of major hubs and showcasing the agility, cost-effectiveness, and speed of alternative cargo gateways.
Opening the summit, Eric Dumas, CEO of Ostend-Bruges Airport, delivered a bold message about regional airports as viable, efficient alternatives to Europe’s busiest cargo hubs.
“Ostend is a city on the rise, blending historic character with a forward-thinking business approach,” Dumas stated. “Unlike larger airports, we operate without slot constraints or capacity limits, offering 24/7 flexibility. Our airport ensures unmatched speed and reliability, with cargo arriving, cleared through customs, and on the road within an hour. That is a level of efficiency very few hubs can match.”
He further highlighted Ostend’s strategic location, which places it at the heart of key European trade routes, providing direct highway and seaport access. This proximity allows for seamless multimodal transport, strengthening its position as a critical link between air cargo and other freight networks.
Ostend’s Mayor, John Crombez, reinforced the city’s ambition to become a logistics powerhouse.
“Ostend is one of the very few locations in the world where you can find an airport, a seaport, a railway station, and major highways within a three-kilometre radius,” Crombez noted. “That level of connectivity is rare, and it is exactly why we see our city as a natural hub for air cargo expansion.”
While acknowledging that global supply chains remain heavily reliant on major cargo hubs, Crombez argued that regional airports could play a much greater role in streamlining operations, particularly in the e-commerce, perishables, and express logistics sectors.
“The pandemic proved how fragile supply chains can be,” he said. “It also showed us that logistics is only as strong as its weakest link. Diversifying cargo operations beyond major hubs is not just about efficiency—it’s about resilience.”
The summit also highlighted Ostend’s ongoing infrastructure developments, designed to support faster cargo processing and accommodate future industry growth. Dumas detailed the airport’s latest investments, including:
- Runway refurbishments completed in early 2024
- A new cargo village project to increase handling capacity
- Public and private sector collaboration to enhance freight capabilities
“The growth of Ostend as a cargo hub is not happening by chance. It is a strategic decision backed by investment and collaboration,” Dumas said.
The World Cargo Summit 2025 marked a clear turning point in the conversation about air cargo’s future. As Dumas summed up: “It’s not just about size or volume anymore. The future of air cargo lies in quality, efficiency, and flexibility. Regional airports are here to offer exactly that.”
