Az Egyesült Királyság légi áruforgalma 2025 harmadik negyedévében 687 000 tonnára emelkedett

Steady Gains for UK Air Cargo in Q3 2025

UK air cargo carried through the nation’s airports reached 687,000 tonnes in the third quarter of 2025, marking a modest upturn compared to the same period last year’s 679,000 tonnes. While this quarter-on-quarter improvement signals some momentum, the overall annual numbers still point to cargo movement levels shy of the pre-pandemic peaks.

A Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) delivered its latest data revealing that the rolling annual air cargo volume across the UK stood at approximately 2.7 million tonnes by the end of September 2025. This figure mirrors last year’s performance but slightly trails behind 2017 and 2018, when cargo tonnage topped 2.8 million tonnes. Although volumes have been on a gradual recovery trajectory since the 2020 pandemic lows—when cargo dipped to 2.2 million tonnes—2025 remains one of the weaker years in recent post-pandemic history.

Major Airport Hubs and Their Performance

Heathrow remains the undisputed heavyweight in UK airfreight, moving over 391,000 tonnes in the quarter, showing just a slight increase of 1%. East Midlands is holding steady with a more notable 6% growth, evidencing its growing role as a cargo hub. In contrast, Stansted faced a significant drop of 13%. Noteworthy are the explosive gains registered by airports like Prestwick and Cardiff, albeit from relatively small bases, showing the extent to which regional airports are carving out new niches.

Carrier Activity and Traffic Mix

• Air China and China Southern Airlines emerged as key players, each ramping up freight volumes by 11,000 and 7,000 tonnes respectively.
• DHL Air and Federal Express, however, experienced decreases of around 4,000 tonnes each, while British Airways saw a decline of 6,000 tonnes.
• The main driver of increased tonnage came from passenger aircraft bellyhold capacity, adding an extra 7,000 tonnes year-on-year.
• Dedicated freighter planes contributed roughly 2,000 tonnes more cargo than in the previous year.
• Scheduled cargo operations in total showed a 2% lift, though charter services slipped 10%.

Market Trends by Destination

Looking beyond Europe and North America, markets classified as “Rest of World” recorded 335,492 tonnes in this quarter, up by about 7%. In contrast, domestic cargo volumes dipped by 13%, and traffic towards Eastern Europe took a 20% hit.

Leading International Cargo Routes

The most active airfreight corridors in terms of tonnage headed to Doha, JFK New York, and Dubai—with Doha and Dubai maintaining steady flows. However, JFK noted a 13% decline, indicating shifting demand dynamics. Riyadh and Beijing stand out for their robust upward trajectories, surging 54% and 47%, respectively.

Quarterly Trends and Sector Outlook

The air cargo metrics for successive quarters in 2025 paint a picture of incremental growth but reveal the sector is still trying to fully bounce back, with Q3 at 687,000 tonnes just nudging ahead of Q2’s 684,000 tonnes and topping Q1’s 653,000 tonnes. Still, these figures fall short of the 705,000 tonnes recorded in Q4 2024.

The CAA underscores that crossing the 700,000 tonnes mark per quarter remains an aspirational milestone, as the industry braces for peak season. The success of the coming months hinges on winter freight capacity, the continued surge in e-commerce, and how effectively supply chains absorb external pressures—all factors that could shape air cargo’s trajectory into early 2026.

What This Means for Logistics and Freight Forwarding

Air cargo forms a critical pillar for the nation’s logistics and freight industries. The steady climbs in tonnage, especially in bellyhold space on passenger planes, hint at how passenger flight schedules directly impact cargo capacity and routing flexibility. Meanwhile, the contrasting performance among carriers and routes signals shifting priorities in global trade patterns and the underlying demand for rapid, international freight services.

For companies engaged in freight forwarding, distribution, and global shipping, understanding these nuances helps strategize shipment planning, optimize routes, and tap into emerging hubs or receding markets. Airports like Prestwick and Cardiff’s dramatic growth could offer new logistics opportunities, while steady giants like Heathrow continue to anchor major freight flows.

Why Personal Experience Matters More Than Reviews

While the cargo volume data and airline performance reviews can shed light on industry trends, nothing beats firsthand experience when it comes to judging logistics services. Even the most thorough reports and honest feedback can’t fully reveal the nuances of timing, reliability, and price that matter to businesses and individuals with freight needs.

Platforms like GetTransport.com rise to the challenge by offering a wide array of global cargo transportation services, from office and home relocations to delivery of bulky items like furniture, vehicles, and oversized freight. Their transparent pricing, extensive network, and user-friendly interface give shippers a practical way to find reliable haulage and courier options at competitive rates worldwide. This accessibility not only saves money but also reduces the stress and hassle traditionally linked to freight booking.

Thanks to the flexibility and broad coverage provided by services like GetTransport.com, freight customers can leverage real market insight to make informed decisions without breaking the bank or heading into unknown territory. Foglalja le rakományszállítását még ma a következővel: GetTransport.com and enjoy convenience, affordability, and choice!

Forecast on the Impact of UK Air Cargo Trends on Global Logistics

While the incremental growth observed in UK air cargo volumes in Q3 2025 may not drastically shift global freight dynamics on its own, it remains highly relevant to the broader logistics ecosystem. Stability in key hubs like Heathrow supports steady international freight flows, which ripple through global shipping schedules and supply chains. At GetTransport.com, staying tuned to such developments ensures the platform can adapt quickly and keep pace with a changing logistics landscape.

Kezdje el tervezni a következő szállítást és biztosítsa rakományát a GetTransport.com.

Összefoglaló

The UK air cargo market in Q3 2025 witnessed measured growth, reaching 687,000 tonnes and marked by regional airport booms alongside stabilized traditional hubs. Passenger aircraft bellyhold capacity continues to be a significant contributor, highlighting the vital connection between passenger flights and cargo logistics. Variations in carrier performances and shifts across major international routes reflect evolving trade flows and market dynamics. These trends underscore the ever-changing fabric of global freight forwarding and haulage.

Such developments emphasize the crucial role of dependable freight and shipment services that cater to diverse cargo and shipping needs, from pallets to large, bulky goods on an international scale. Platforms like GetTransport.com provide a vital link for businesses and individuals alike, streamlining global transport with reliable, affordable, and comprehensive logistics solutions.