Ground Handling Services Market Report 2026

The ground handling services market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $29.45 billion in 2025 to $31.61 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth in global air traffic increasing demand for aircraft turnaround services, expansion of airport infrastructure requiring more comprehensive ground handling operations, rising emphasis on reducing aircraft turnaround time to improve airline efficiency, increased outsourcing of ground handling activities to specialized service providers, development of standardized procedures for refueling, towing, cleaning, and marshalling.

The ground handling services market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $40.59 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising airport modernization projects driving adoption of advanced ground handling systems, increasing automation and use of electric ground support equipment to improve efficiency, growth in low-cost carriers requiring rapid and cost-effective turnaround services, implementation of digital platforms for real-time monitoring of ground operations, expanding global aviation fleets boosting long-term demand for ground handling services. Major trends in the forecast period include automation of baggage and cargo workflows, growing demand for faster aircraft turnaround operations, expansion of low-cost carriers boosting ground handling volumes, rising outsourcing of airport ground support services, increase in integrated ground handling and passenger service packages.

The increased demand for air freight cargo is expected to drive the growth of the ground handling services market going forward. Air freight cargo refers to the shipment process in which goods are transported via a chartered or scheduled air carrier. Changing consumer preferences and the growth of the e-commerce industry have led to a rise in demand for air freight cargo due to its fast and same-day delivery capabilities. This mode of transportation requires reliable and quick turnaround handling techniques, increasing the need for airport ground and cargo handling services to reduce halt time and minimize emissions at airports. In August 2024, according to the International Air Transport Association, a Canada-based trade association, global air cargo demand in July 2024 - measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTKs) - rose by 13.6% compared to July 2023, with international operations showing a 14.3% increase. Airlines in the Asia-Pacific region recorded the highest growth, reaching 17.6% year-on-year. Therefore, rising demand for air freight cargo is contributing to the expansion of the airport ground and cargo handling services market.

Major companies in the ground handling services market are adopting strategic partnerships to enhance technology integration and broaden their market presence. A strategic partnership is a collaborative relationship in which two or more organizations combine their resources, expertise, and capabilities to pursue shared objectives. For example, in May 2025, Swissport, a Switzerland-based airport services provider, partnered with Aurrigo International, a UK-based company, to launch a global pilot of autonomous ground handling solutions at Zurich Airport. The pilot features Aurrigo’s Auto-Sim digital simulation platform for virtual operations planning and the deployment of Auto-DollyTugs equipped with 360° obstacle detection and automated loading and unloading of Unit Load Devices (ULDs). These technologies improve operational efficiency, enhance safety for ground personnel, and shorten aircraft turnaround times. The adoption of autonomous solutions is expected to expand globally, supporting more sustainable, digitally connected, and scalable ground handling operations.

In August 2025, Menzies Aviation, a UK-based provider of ground handling services, acquired G2 Secure Staff for $305 million. Through this acquisition, Menzies aims to expand its operations across more than 120 airports in the United States and strengthen its service offerings for airlines and cargo operators. G2 Secure Staff, a U.S.-based provider of ground handling and cargo services at major U.S. airports, complements Menzies’ existing capabilities and reinforces its position in the global ground handling market.

Major companies operating in the ground handling services market are Baltic Ground Services, Dubai National Air Transport Association, Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), JBT Corporation, Swissport International Ltd., Singapore Airport Terminal Services Limited, TAV Havalimanları Holding A.Ş., Groundforce Handling Portugal, Aviapartner Group NV, Goldair Handling SA, Airport Terminal Services Inc., Mallaghan Engineering Ltd, Menzies Aviation plc, Skyplan Services Ltd., Belau Transfer and Terminal Company, AFS Aviation Services Limited, AN Aviation Services Co. Ltd., Proground GmbH, Airline Services Ltd., Jet Aviation Business Jets AG, Çelebi Havacılık Holding A.Ş., SAS Ground Handling AB.

North America was the largest region in the ground handling services market in 2025. The regions covered in the ground handling services market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs are impacting the ground handling services market by increasing the cost of imported ground support equipment, aviation fuel additives, and maintenance components required for service operations. These tariffs particularly affect regions with high dependency on imported machinery, such as Asia-Pacific and parts of Europe, and service segments like ramp handling, aircraft refueling, and towing operations. Although tariffs elevate operating expenses and slow equipment upgrades, they also encourage domestic manufacturing of ground support equipment and promote localized supply chains, offering limited positive momentum for regional suppliers.

The ground handling services market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides ground handling services market statistics, including ground handling services industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a ground handling services market share, detailed ground handling services market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the ground handling services industry. This ground handling services market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

Ground handling services encompass a range of assistance provided to facilitate an aircraft's ground repositioning, preparation, and completion of a flight, including customer service and ramp service activities. The primary goal of ground handling services is to enhance the speed, efficiency, and precision while reducing the turnaround time of airplanes, thereby improving the airport's ability to offer customer service.

The primary types of ground handling services include ground handling, passenger ground handling, ramp handling, and others. The range of flight and passenger services provided during an aircraft's layover at an airport falls under ground handling services. These services are applicable to both international and domestic airports and are utilized in civil and military applications.

The countries covered in the ground handling services market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The ground handling services market includes revenues earned by entities providing refueling aircraft services, towing aircraft, cleaning, marshalling and parking. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.