A new economic study shows employment linked to Liege Airport has continued to grow, supporting more than 11,700 jobs across the region.
Liege Airport (LGG) is continuing to strengthen its position as one of Europe’s leading logistics hubs, with a new economic impact study revealing sustained employment growth and an expanding contribution to the regional economy.
The study, commissioned by the Walloon Export and Foreign Investment Agency and Liege Airport and conducted by the Service for Research in Fundamental and Applied Economic Geography at the University of Liège, provides updated data on employment and economic activity linked to the airport ecosystem.
Employment growth continues
According to the report, 143 companies are currently active within the airport ecosystem, supporting 11,735 jobs and 10,405 full-time equivalent positions in 2024. This represents an increase of 775 jobs and 1,760 full-time equivalent positions compared with 2021.
The study also found that 84% of direct airport-related jobs are held by residents of the Province of Liège, while 96% of direct positions are permanent contracts. In addition, 88% of jobs are located within the private sector.
Researchers noted that despite economic challenges affecting parts of the aviation and logistics sector in recent years, overall employment growth has remained positive.
The analysis points to continued expansion among several cargo and logistics operators, alongside the arrival of new businesses within the airport area, helping offset employment reductions linked to restructuring and company closures elsewhere in the sector.
Forecasts included in the report suggest employment will continue growing during 2025, supported by strong cargo performance and increasing demand for logistics services.
Based on the study’s projections, the total number of jobs supported by airport activities could exceed 12,600 positions during 2025.
Economic driver for Wallonia
Airport officials said the findings demonstrate the maturity and resilience of the wider logistics ecosystem that has developed around Liege Airport.
Laurent Jossart said: “The ecosystem is maturing, and we have reached a critical mass that attracts companies to the economic activity zones and surrounding areas.”
He added: “With our €500 million master plan, the airport will expand its international reach. This will be a net benefit for the Liège region and Belgium’s appeal as a logistics hub.”
The study also highlights the airport’s growing international role and its contribution to foreign investment and trade.
Walloon officials described the airport as a strategic economic asset supporting employment, exports, imports and wider industrial development across the region.
Researchers concluded that while external challenges such as market disruptions and geopolitical events have affected aviation activity in recent years, the airport has demonstrated strong resilience and remains an important catalyst for economic growth and logistics development in Wallonia.
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