Amsterdam Airport Schiphol handled 127,387 tonnes of air cargo in August 2026, an 8% increase year on year, with stronger outbound flows driving the monthly performance.
The latest figures show continued growth in cargo volumes at the Dutch hub, with belly freight accounting for 60,444 tonnes, up 12% compared with August 2025. Full-freighter traffic contributed a further 66,943 tonnes, representing a 4% year-on-year increase.
The resulting cargo mix was 47% belly freight and 53% full freighter, compared with a 46:54 split in August 2025. Available Tonne Kilometres (ATK) for full-freighter operations increased by 7% during the month.
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Cargo flows were relatively balanced between inbound and outbound traffic, with inbound movements accounting for 51% of the total and outbound shipments 49%. Inbound volumes increased by 2% year on year.
The strongest growth came on the outbound side, where cargo volumes increased 14% year on year. Outbound traffic to the Far East rose 11%, while North America and Africa each recorded 25% growth. Volumes to Middle and South America increased 28%.
The Middle East was the only major outbound market to record a decline, with volumes down 6% compared with August 2025. On the inbound side, Middle East volumes improved slightly from July and were around 1% below the level recorded in August last year.
Schiphol’s August figures also indicate continuing changes in inbound Far East cargo flows. Tonnage from the region was slightly below July levels and remained below the monthly averages recorded before the European Union’s new customs arrangements took effect on 1 July. Exact e-commerce volumes were not disclosed in the latest figures.
Key commodities and wider cargo network
Among the principal commodities moving through Schiphol during August were electrical machinery, flowers, fish, pharmaceuticals, fruit and vegetables, and spare parts, reflecting the diversity of cargo handled through the Netherlands’ main international air freight gateway.
The airport’s cargo ecosystem also extends beyond aircraft operations. Schiphol’s Road Feeder Service network handled approximately 33,500 tonnes during August, providing road connections between the airport and other cargo markets.
Nearby Maastricht Aachen Airport, which Schiphol has described as an important extension of its cargo network, processed 1,946 tonnes during the month. Its year-to-date cargo volume was 16% higher than in the corresponding period of 2025.
Schiphol’s cargo operation is supported by a broad network of airlines, freight forwarders, handlers and logistics providers, with the airport also investing in digital cargo processes and infrastructure. Its Smart Cargo Mainport Programme is focused on improving the efficiency, security and sustainability of cargo processes across the airport community.
The August performance comes after Schiphol reported strong cargo activity during the first half of 2026. The airport has continued to highlight investment in cargo quality and infrastructure as part of its broader strategy for maintaining the competitiveness of its cargo operation.
With cargo volumes reported to be 10% higher year to date, the August increase adds to the positive trend at Schiphol, although individual trade lanes continued to perform differently. The combination of stronger outbound demand, increased belly capacity and continued full-freighter activity points to sustained cargo flows through the Amsterdam hub during the summer period.
