Maastricht Aachen handled 41,636 tonnes last year versus 28,448 tonnes in 2024, following investment in handling infrastructure
Airfreight volumes rose 40% year on year at Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) as a result of investment in cargo handling facilities to suport verticals including perishables and animals.
The Dutch cargo hub handled 41,636 tonnes of cargo last year, compared to 2024 when it handled 28,448 tonnes of cargo. MST said the 2024 dip in cargo volumes followed a €35m runway renovation in 2023.
MST also recorded 7,549 aircraft movements, of which 1,737 were cargo flights.
“The strong growth in cargo volume last year is down to MST’s continued investment in cargo handling facilities at the airport, particularly in the second half of 2025,” said Dean Boljuncic, head of commercial development at MST.
“We have invested in optimising our handling processes and improving our facilities in the past 12 months, including redeveloping MST’s AnimalPort and partnering with FlowerWatch to modernise perishable cargo operations.”
At the end of 2024, MST announced its strategy to focus on expanding airfreight, with a target of 200,000 tonnes by 2030.
In 2025, the airport appointed its first cargo sales executive, to enhance its position as a specialist regional cargo hub.
MST recently applied for a new airport license, which included a proposed runway extension to 2,750 meters. This expansion of the runway’s operational length would allow cargo aircraft to depart with heavier loads and to reach destinations further away than those currently served.
“Both cargo and passengers are important for MST; however, we expect to see higher and faster returns from our cargo operations, and our strategic focus in this area is clearly paying off,” added Boljuncic.
