RFD climbs to 12th place among the United States’ busiest cargo airports as freight volumes surpass 3.43 billion pounds and international connectivity expands
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) has achieved its highest position to date in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) annual cargo airport rankings, moving up to become the 12th largest cargo airport in the United States by landed cargo weight.
The latest FAA figures highlight the airport’s continued rise as one of North America’s fastest-growing air cargo gateways, reflecting sustained increases in freight volumes, expanded international services and growing confidence from airlines, freight forwarders and global logistics providers. The ranking, released by the FAA as part of its latest annual cargo airport statistics, places Rockford two positions higher than the previous year, when it ranked 14th nationally.
According to the FAA data, Chicago Rockford International Airport handled 3,433,741,432 pounds of landed cargoduring 2025, representing its highest annual cargo throughput on record. The airport processed 3,144,024,639 poundsin 2024, translating into a 9.21% year-on-year increase in landed cargo weight. The figures underscore the airport’s expanding role in supporting domestic and international supply chains amid rising demand for dedicated freighter operations and integrated logistics services.
Commenting on the achievement, Zack Oakley, Executive Director of Chicago Rockford International Airport, said the improved ranking reflects the industry’s growing confidence in the airport’s specialised cargo infrastructure and operational capabilities.
“This latest FAA ranking reflects the continued confidence airlines, freight forwarders, and logistics providers place in Rockford,” Oakley said.
“Our focus has always been on delivering an airport built around the needs of air cargo, and as volumes continue to grow, we’re committed to providing the operational reliability, efficiency, and flexibility that our customers depend on.”
Purpose-built cargo infrastructure drives growth
Unlike many major passenger-focused airports that face increasing congestion and slot constraints, Rockford has established itself as a dedicated cargo hub offering unrestricted operations and significant room for expansion.
The airport operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing carriers with flexible scheduling, rapid aircraft turnaround times and extensive cargo handling capacity. Its purpose-built cargo facilities, dedicated logistics teams and uncongested operating environment have made it an increasingly attractive alternative for freighter operators, express integrators and freight forwarders seeking greater operational efficiency.
Oakley noted that these operational advantages continue to distinguish the airport within the highly competitive North American cargo market.
“Our customers benefit from an operating environment that allows them to move cargo faster and more efficiently,” he said.
“With around-the-clock operations, dedicated cargo teams, available capacity, and the ability to scale alongside our partners, we’re able to provide a level of service that is increasingly difficult to find elsewhere.”
Strengthening international gateway role
Located strategically in the Midwest, Chicago Rockford International Airport continues to expand its role as a global cargo gateway linking Europe, Asia and the Americas.
The airport has experienced steady growth in scheduled freighter operations while attracting increased investment from international logistics companies seeking efficient access to North American distribution networks. Its proximity to major interstate highways, rail infrastructure and the greater Chicago metropolitan market further enhances its position as a multimodal logistics hub.
Oakley added that the airport remains committed to supporting international trade through continued investment in cargo infrastructure and long-term partnerships.
“As we strengthen our position as a global cargo gateway connecting Europe, Asia, and the Americas, we remain focused on creating long-term opportunities for our customers and supporting the continued growth of international trade through Rockford.”
Expansion of international services
The latest FAA ranking follows the recent expansion of Chicago Rockford International Airport’s partnership with global logistics provider DSV, which announced the introduction of a new scheduled weekly cargo service between Luxembourg and Rockford. The additional transatlantic connection is expected to enhance freight capacity between Europe and the U.S. Midwest while supporting growing demand across manufacturing, e-commerce, automotive and industrial supply chains.
The new service further reinforces Rockford’s growing importance within international cargo networks and reflects increasing market demand for airports capable of delivering efficient, reliable and scalable freighter operations.
As cargo volumes continue to rise and international connectivity expands, Chicago Rockford International Airport is strengthening its position as one of the United States’ leading dedicated cargo gateways, providing airlines and logistics providers with a flexible, high-capacity platform for future growth.
