The top 10 busiest airports in the world by cargo handled

The following list is based on figures from Airports Council International (ACI) and displays the top 10 airports in order of tonnes of cargo handled (cargo loaded and unloaded freight and mail in metric tonnes) in 2024. Figures are calculated by totalling all loaded and unloaded freight and mail at each airport throughout the course of the year.

According to ACI World, air cargo volumes are estimated to have increased by 8.4% year-over-year (+3.9% versus 2019), to over 124 million metric tonnes in 2024. Air cargo volumes in the top 10 airports–representing close to 26% (32.3 million metric tonnes) of the global volumes in 2024—gained 9.3% in 2024 year-over-year or a gain of 9.5% vis-à-vis their 2019 results (29.5 million tonnes in 2019). Air cargo traffic is therefore more concentrated amongst the main airports. The increase in cargo is attributed mainly to strong e-commerce demand, maritime shipping disruptions, and declines in jet fuel prices says ACI World.

This article was updated on 15 April 2025, based on figures published on 14 April 2025.

1. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)

Hong Kong International Airport is an international airport on the island of Chek Lap Kok in western Hong Kong. The airport is also referred to as Chek Lap Kok International Airport or Chek Lap Kok Airport, the airport’s predecessor, was called Kai Tak Airport

Tonnes of cargo handled in 2024: 4,938,211

Compared to 2023: 14.1% increase

2. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

One of two international airports in the region, Shanghai Pudong International

Airport is a major hub in the Chinese aviation industry, serving predominantly international flights. 

Tonnes of cargo handled in 2024: 3,778,331

Compared to 2023: 9.8% increase

3. Memphis International Airport (MEM)

A civil-military airport, Memphis International Airport is home to the FedEx Express global hub, which processes the majority of the company’s packages, subsequently resulting as the highest positioned airport on the list.

Tonnes of cargo handled in 2024: 3,754,236

Compared to 2023: 3.3% decrease

4. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)

Named after a U.S senator from Alaska, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is equidistant from Tokyo and New York, meaning it is situated less than 9.5 hours from 90 per cent of the industrial world.

Tonnes of cargo handled in 2024: 3,699,284

Compared to 2023: 9.4% increase

5. Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF)

A civil-military airport located in Kentucky, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport is home to a major UPS hub and is one of the most significant cargo facilities in the U.S.

Tonnes of cargo handled in 2024: 3,152,969

Compared to 2023: 15.6% increase

6. Incheon International Airport (ICN)

The largest airport in South Korea, Incheon International Airport is one of the main transport hubs in Northeast Asia and is the national gateway to the Republic of Korea.

Tonnes of cargo handled in 2024: 2,946,902

Compared to 2023: 7.4% increase

7. Miami International Airport (MIA)

Miami International Airport is the primary airport serving the greater Miami metropolitan area with over 1,000 daily flights to 167 domestic and international destinations, including most countries in Latin America.

Tonnes of cargo handled in 2024: 2,753,450

Compared to 2023: 9% increase

8. Hamad International Airport (DOH)

Hamad International Airport (DOH) is the main international airport for Doha, Qatar, and the hub for the national airline, Qatar Airways. It opened in 2014 and is known for its modern design, spacious passenger terminal, and various amenities. 

Tonnes of cargo handled in 2024: 2,616,849

Compared to 2023: 11.1% increase.

9. Guangzhou International Airport, China (CAN)

Guangzhou Baiyun Int’l Airport is one of the top three air hubs in China, and is the gateway to South China. 

Tonnes of cargo handled in 2024: 2,373,727

Compared to 2023: 16.9% increase.

10. Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport

(TPE)

Acting as the main international airport for Taipei and northern Taiwan, Taiwan Taoyuan, is Asia’s best-connected and gateway airport for cargo handling.

Tonnes of cargo handled in 2024: 2,270,974

Compared to 2023: 7.5% increase.

Passenger numbers

To view the top 10 busiest airports in the world by passenger number – click here.

Aircraft movements

To view the top 10 busiest airports in the world by aircraft movements – click here.