Belgian cargo hub earns prestigious industry recognition for sustained growth, innovation and operational excellence as cargo volumes continue to climb
Shanghai, China: Brussels Airport has been named Best Airport in Europe at the 2026 Asian Freight, Logistics and Supply Chain (AFLAS) Awards, reaffirming its position as one of the continent’s leading air cargo gateways. The award was presented during a gala ceremony held in Shanghai on 24 June, recognising the airport’s continued excellence in cargo operations, infrastructure development and customer service.
Organised annually by Asia Cargo News, the AFLAS Awards honour outstanding performance across the global freight and logistics industry, recognising airports, seaports, airlines, logistics providers and other supply chain stakeholders for service excellence, innovation and operational reliability. Winners are selected through voting by more than 15,000 readers and industry professionals, making the awards a reflection of customer confidence and industry recognition.
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Recognition among Europe’s leading aviation hubs
Brussels Airport secured the prestigious title ahead of some of Europe’s most prominent cargo gateways, including Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Frankfurt Airport and Istanbul Airport—all recognised internationally for their extensive cargo operations and global connectivity.
The latest accolade further strengthens Brussels Airport’s reputation as a preferred logistics hub, having previously received the same honour in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
The repeated recognition highlights the airport’s consistent performance in delivering efficient cargo handling, customer-focused services and continued investment in infrastructure to meet the evolving demands of the global air freight industry.
Strong cargo growth reinforces market position
The award comes as Brussels Airport continues to record impressive cargo growth.
According to the airport, total cargo volumes increased by 8.5 per cent in 2025 compared with the previous year, extending a positive growth trajectory driven by rising demand across pharmaceutical logistics, e-commerce, perishables and high-value freight.
The airport has also reported sustained month-on-month growth, reflecting its expanding role within European and intercontinental supply chains.
Its strategic location at the heart of Europe, combined with advanced cargo infrastructure and strong multimodal connectivity, continues to make Brussels Airport an attractive gateway for airlines, freight forwarders and logistics providers serving international markets.
Continued investment in innovation and sustainability
Brussels Airport attributes its success to a long-term strategy focused on innovation, digital transformation and sustainable infrastructure development.
The airport has invested significantly in modern cargo facilities, digital logistics solutions and environmentally responsible real estate projects designed to improve operational efficiency while supporting long-term growth.
These investments complement Brussels Airport’s established strengths in specialised cargo handling, particularly in pharmaceuticals, life sciences and temperature-sensitive shipments, where the airport has earned a strong international reputation.
By combining operational excellence with digital innovation and sustainability initiatives, Brussels Airport continues to strengthen its competitive position within the European cargo market.
Leadership perspective
Commenting on the achievement, Geert Aerts, Chief Cargo & Real Estate Officer at Brussels Airport, described the award as recognition of the collaborative efforts across the airport’s cargo ecosystem.
“Winning this award is a great honour and a recognition of the collective efforts of the entire cargo community at Brussels Airport.”
Highlighting the airport’s recent performance, he added:
“In 2025, we saw an 8.5% increase in our total cargo volumes compared to the year before, and we continue to see solid growth month after month.”
Aerts emphasised that the award reinforces Brussels Airport’s commitment to continuous investment across key areas of its cargo business.
“This award reinforces our commitment to investing in our focus markets through innovation, sustainable real estate and digital infrastructure, and the talented people who drive our success every day, ensuring that Brussels Airport remains the preferred cargo hub in Europe.”
Strengthening Europe’s cargo landscape
The recognition reflects Brussels Airport’s continued evolution as one of Europe’s most advanced cargo hubs, serving a diverse portfolio of industries that increasingly rely on fast, secure and efficient air freight services.
As global supply chains continue to evolve amid growing e-commerce volumes, pharmaceutical demand and digital transformation, airports capable of delivering high operational standards and resilient infrastructure are becoming increasingly important to international trade.
By combining sustained cargo growth with strategic investment in technology, sustainability and specialised logistics capabilities, Brussels Airport has reinforced its standing as a leading European gateway and an essential link in the global air cargo network.
