Airports report dip in November cargo traffic

Overall cargo volumes in November 2022 dipped year over year but increased compared with 2019, revealing an unusual Q4 behavior pattern during airfreight’s typical peak season. An Air Cargo World analysis of 16 airports’ November cargo traffic across North America, Asia Pacific and Europe found volumes dropped 9% compared with 2021 but were 7% higher than November 2019. Economic factors like high jet fuel prices, increased rates compared to ocean and a lack of retail volumes during the traditional peak season likely contributed to the lower cargo traffic for November. [caption id="attachment_66904" align="alignright" width="344"] Photo/HKG[/caption] Asia Pacific Volumes from selected Asia Pacific airports remain dramatically depressed year over year, averaging 15.8%, but the region’s volumes are returning, with a 1% dip month over month. The region’s sharpest declines were felt at Tokyo’s Narita Airport (NRT) and Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), where volumes decreased YoY by 22% and 25% , respectively. Cargo volumes at HKG “continued to be impacted by global economic uncertainties, ongoing geopolitical tensions and disruptions to global supply chains,” according to a Dec. 15 release from the airport, with the most significant decreases of cargo volumes seen between North America and Europe. Compared with pre-pandemic levels, HKG’s cargo was down 21% in November 2022. Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) moved 233,812 tonnes of cargo in November, 17% less than 2021 and 7% less than in 2019. Singapore (SIN) reported an 11% YoY drop, from 171,000 tonnes in 2021 to 151,000 tonnes. Osaka’s Kansai International Airport (KIX) in November moved 8% less cargo YoY and 4% less MoM at 63,814 tonnes for the month. Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) had not published its November statistics before press time today. Europe Between Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), Brussels Airport (BRU), London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and Frankfurt Airport (FRA), November volumes dropped 9.8% YoY. At FRA, “this decrease was primarily caused by the overall economic slowdown and the airspace restrictions related to the war in Ukraine,” according to a Dec. 13 release from parent company Fraport. LHR saw strikes from its ground handling staff in November, impacting overall flight movement from some of its carriers. Cargo-only flights have continued to decrease at AMS , with only 1,416 in November, down 26% compared with 2021. Slotting and flight restrictions at Schiphol have presented challenges, but the airport hopes to keep cargo in the Netherlands . North America Cargo hubs in North America have seen elevated volumes compared with pre-pandemic levels over the past year, and November was no exception. On average, cargo traffic for the month grew 19% compared with 2019 throughput. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky (CVG), meanwhile, saw increased cargo movement, with 179,692 tonnes of cargo moving through the airport in November, up 25% YoY, 4% MoM and 41% compared with 2019. Louisville Mohammad Ali (SDF) saw 259,222 tonnes of cargo for the month, a slight dip of 0.3% from 2021, but 9.5% higher than in 2019. UPS cargo, mail and express volumes made up 98% of the airport’s throughput year to date, according to the carrier’s statistics. FedEx hub Memphis International Airport (MEM) saw YoY declines again in November, dropping 4.2% to 341,713 tonnes, around 3.8% lower than 2019 volumes. In California, Los Angeles International (LAX) in November handled 197,142 tonnes of cargo and Ontario Airport (ONT) saw 63,860 tonnes, a drop of 15% YoY for LAX and 0.03% than 2021 levels for ONT, according to the airports’ respective reports. Compared with pre-pandemic levels, LAX performed better, moving 8% more cargo in November 2022 than in 2019, but ONT faltered, seeing 3.8% less volume. Mexico City (MEX) reported volumetric growth of about 1% for November, raising its volumes to 52,228 tonnes.

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