The Airports Council International (ACI) World is the leading source for global airport traffic statistics. Here's a breakdown of the top airports by cargo throughput, primarily based on 2023 data, with some early insights into 2024 where available:
2023 Global Air Cargo Throughput Rankings (Metric Tonnes)
According to ACI World and other reports, the top airports for air cargo in 2023 were:
- Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), Hong Kong SAR: 4.33 million tonnes
- Memphis International Airport (MEM), USA: 3.88 million tonnes
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), China: 3.44 million tonnes
- Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), USA: 3.38 million tonnes
- Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN), South Korea: 2.74 million tonnes
- Louisville International Airport (SDF), USA: 2.72 million tonnes
- Miami International Airport (MIA), USA: 2.52 million tonnes
- Hamad International Airport (DOH), Qatar: 2.35 million tonnes
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), USA: 2.13 million tonnes
- Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), Taiwan: 2.11 million tonnes
Key Observations for 2023:
- Hong Kong International Airport maintained its position as the world's busiest cargo airport for the 13th time since 2010.
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport showed significant growth in 2023, moving up in the rankings.
- The top 20 airports accounted for approximately 42% of global air cargo volumes.
- Overall global air cargo volumes saw a slight decline in 2023 compared to 2022, but maintained a gain compared to 2019 (pre-pandemic).
Early 2024 Insights (Provisional Data)
Preliminary data for 2024 (as of April 2025) from ACI World indicates some shifts and continued growth:
- Hong Kong International Airport (HKG): Expected to remain at the top, with an estimated throughput close to 5 million tonnes, showing a 14% increase compared to 2023.
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): Likely to hold the second spot, with strong growth in volumes.
The increase in air cargo in 2024 is largely attributed to strong e-commerce demand, maritime shipping disruptions, and declines in jet fuel prices.
These rankings are typically updated annually by organizations like ACI World, providing comprehensive data on global air traffic.