Europe Air Cargo Market Size and Forecast (2021 - 2031)

The Europe Air Cargo Market is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated US$ 54,829.0 million by 2031, up from US$ 35,916.2 million in 2024. This growth reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.0% from 2025 to 2031, indicating a robust expansion trajectory for the sector.

Executive Summary and Market Analysis

The air cargo market in Europe is segmented into several key regions, including Italy, Germany, France, the UK, Russia, and the Rest of Europe. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), air cargo demand, measured in Cargo-Tonne-Kilometers (CTK), has shown strong growth along major trade routes as of early 2025. Notably, the Europe-North America corridor experienced an impressive 8.5% year-on-year (YoY) growth in CTK in March 2025, while Europe-Asia routes also saw a substantial increase of approximately 8.3% YoY. In April 2025, European carriers reported a more modest 2.9% YoY increase in air cargo demand, with a cargo load factor of 51.9%, the highest among global regions, despite a slight decline from the previous year.

The market is also benefiting from a decrease in jet fuel prices, which fell by over 17% YoY in early 2025, leading to cost reductions even as capacity expansions outpace demand. However, the total air freight and mail transport within the European Union (EU) saw a decline of 5.2% in 2023 compared to 2022, totaling 13.1 million tonnes. This decline affected most EU member states, although Spain and Malta reported increases of 17.9% and 17.6%, respectively. Germany remains the largest air cargo hub in Europe, handling over 4.6 million tonnes in 2023. Major players in the European air cargo sector include legacy carriers like Air France-KLM and logistics giants such as DHL Group and DB Schenker. The market is poised for sustained growth, driven by e-commerce trends and strategic trade flows, while remaining vigilant to global economic and policy changes.

Strategic Insights

Market Segmentation

The Europe Air Cargo Market can be segmented by end user, type, and services. By end user, the market includes segments such as Retail, Pharmaceutical or Healthcare, Food or Beverage, Consumer Electronics, Automotive, and Others. The Pharmaceutical or Healthcare segment was the largest in 2024. In terms of type, the market is divided into Air Mail and Air Freight, with Air Freight dominating in 2024. Regarding services, the market is segmented into Express and Regular, with Regular services leading in 2024.

Opportunities in Temperature-Sensitive Transport

The transportation of temperature-sensitive products, including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and medicines, presents a significant opportunity for the air cargo market. The rapid growth of the pharmaceutical industry, driven by new drug launches, global clinical trials, and the urgent need for vaccine distribution, has made air cargo a vital component of the healthcare supply chain. Companies like Marken are expanding their services to include clinical home healthcare, which encompasses drug storage, direct-to-patient delivery, and biologic sample collection. As the pharmaceutical sector continues to grow, the demand for air transportation, particularly for temperature-sensitive cargo, is expected to rise. Airlines that invest in advanced cool chain solutions will be well-positioned to capitalize on this growing demand.

Growth in Perishable Goods

The demand for air cargo services for fresh produce, seafood, and specialty foods has surged, with air transport enabling global distribution while preserving quality and freshness. In 2024, fresh fruit and vegetables accounted for nearly one-third of all perishable goods shipped by air, with overall shipments of fresh produce increasing by 8%. The globalization of trade and the rise of cross-border e-commerce have further amplified the need for fast, reliable, and temperature-controlled logistics solutions.

Country Insights

The Europe Air Cargo Market is also analyzed by country, with France holding the largest market share in 2024. Air cargo traffic at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport reached 1.9 million metric tonnes, while French airports collectively handled 2.2 million tonnes of air cargo. France's strategic geographic location facilitates essential trade routes, such as the Europe-North America corridor, which saw an 8.5% traffic increase in March 2025. Investments in airport infrastructure modernization are on the rise, with air cargo operators introducing new freighter aircraft to meet growing demand. For instance, the Air France-KLM Group has ordered four A350F widebody freighter aircraft from Airbus, allowing for more sustainable cargo operations.

Company Profiles

Key players in the Europe Air Cargo Market include United Parcel Service Inc, FedEx Corp, ANA Cargo, Cargolux Airlines International S.A., Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, Emirates SkyCargo, Etihad Cargo, Zela Aviation, Lufthansa Group, and Deutsche Post AG. These companies are pursuing various strategies, including expansion, product innovation, and mergers and acquisitions, to enhance their market presence and offer innovative solutions to their customers.

In conclusion, the Europe Air Cargo Market is set for significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for temperature-sensitive transport, the rise of e-commerce, and strategic investments in infrastructure and technology.