Vienna Airport reports steady momentum in its cargo business

Vienna Airport is reporting steady momentum in its cargo business this year, driven largely by strong export activity. Between January and September, the airport handled 233,233 tonnes of freight, an 8% year-on-year increase.

Cargo transported in the bellyhold of passenger aircraft also edged upward, reaching 92,604 tonnes, up 2% compared with the same period last year. The summer months proved particularly strong, with July posting a 12% rise and August up 10%.

On the directional front, imports grew 5% to 125,284 tonnes, while exports surged 11% to 107,949 tonnes, underscoring Austria’s rising outbound cargo demand. The airport’s Vienna Pharma Handling Center continued its upward trajectory as well, handling 3,307 tonnes, an increase of 7.4% and reflecting consistent growth in pharmaceutical logistics.

Michael Zach, senior vice president for ground handling and cargo operations, said the airport’s expanding volumes highlight Vienna’s role as a diversified logistics hub, covering everything from general freight and e-commerce to high-value and sensitive pharma shipments. He added that streamlined processes, strong service quality, and an experienced workforce place the airport in a solid position to support future growth.

The airport’s cargo network also expanded recently with the addition of AirZeta, a new South Korean carrier that has chosen Vienna as its European hub. AirZeta plans to operate six weekly Boeing 747 freighter flights between Vienna and Incheon, targeting sectors such as automotive components, battery materials, high-tech goods, pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce cargo.