The top 10 busiest airports in the world by cargo handled

Discover which airports handled the largest amount of cargo by metric tonne that passed through the airport in 2024.

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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 2025. Figures are calculated by totalling all loaded and unloaded freight and mail at each airport throughout the course of the year.

Air cargo volumes are estimated to have increased by 2.9% year-over-year (almost +8.8% versus 2019), to almost 128.9 million metric tonnes in 2025.
Air cargo traffic is more concentrated amongst the main airports. Air cargo volumes in the top 10 airports represent close to 26% of global air cargo traffic.
The increase is driven by strong e-commerce demand and supply chain adjustments.
Hong Kong and Shanghai Pudong remain in 1st and 2nd rank respectively, and Anchorage gains 3rd rank.

ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci said: “We congratulate the world’s busiest airports for managing growing air travel demand amid increasing operational complexity. These hubs keep people and goods moving, supporting global trade, tourism, and economic growth in their communities and regions. To help keep pace with rising demand, governments must prioritize sustained investment in airports and the broader aviation ecosystem.”

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

1. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)

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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 2025: 5,070,256

Compared to 2024: 2.7% increase

2. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

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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 2025: 4,096,016

Compared to 2024: 8.6% increase

3. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)

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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% of the industrial world.

Tonnes of cargo handled in 2024: 3,854,614

Compared to 2024: 4.2% increase

4. Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF)

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Photo Credit: Dan Dry/PriceWeber Marketing

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 2025: 3,396,437

Compared to 2024: 13.5% increase

5. Miami International Airport (MIA)

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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 2025: 3,128,165

Compared to 2024: 13.6% increase

6. Memphis International Airport (MEM)

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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 2025: 2,969,502

Compared to 2024: -20.9% decrease

7. Incheon International Airport (ICN)

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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 2025: 2,954,684

Compared to 2024: 0.3% increase

8. Hamad International Airport (DOH)

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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 2025: 2,614,214

Compared to 2024: 0.1% decrease.

9. Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

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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 2025: 2,499,899

Compared to 2023: 10.1% increase.