Air freight in Spain experienced a historic year in 2024. According to data from Aena, the country’s airport network moved a total of 1.28 million tonnes of goods, a record figure that reflects the sustained growth of the logistics sector and the consolidation of Spain as a strategic node in international trade.
This progress also translates into the strengthening of Spain’s position in the European context, with three national airports included in the continent’s top 30 air cargo airports. At the forefront is Madrid-Barajas airport, which continues to be the country’s air cargo engine, with 60% of domestic freight traffic. Its inclusion in the European top 10 reaffirms it as one of the main logistics hubs in southern Europe. It has an infrastructure that is increasingly adapted to international freight transport standards.
Rounding out the Spanish representation in the ranking are Barcelona-El Prat and Zaragoza airports, which maintain a relevant role thanks to their growing specialisation in cargo operations and their connectivity with key markets. In particular, Zaragoza has established itself as a strong point for the transport of high-value goods and fast logistics, while Barcelona benefits from its intercontinental projection and its diversified route network.
This boost in the global supply chain is also accompanied by an evolution in logistics operators. Smart Logistics, an internationally operating freight forwarder, has a large airfreight capacity with integrated solutions that combine efficiency, traceability and advanced technology. This allows it to adapt to the new demands of global trade and to have a smooth management of goods on international routes.
The situation in Europe
At the European level, the biggest change has come from Istanbul, whose airport has succeeded in overtaking Frankfurt and Paris-Charles de Gaulle as the leader in air cargo. With almost 2 million tonnes handled, the Turkish airport is now number one on the continent. This transformation of leadership responds in part to international geopolitical tensions, which have altered traditional trade routes and have favoured Istanbul’s positioning as a logistical bridge between Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
This new scenario underlines the dynamism of the air cargo market in Europe and the increasingly important role of countries in the south and east of the continent. In this context, Spain emerges as a robust logistics platform, with the capacity to continue to grow and respond to the challenges of global trade.
