liege Airport, initially established to support the Imperial German Air Force during World War I, has evolved into a notable European logistics hub. The airport’s origins trace back to 1914, when occupying forces deemed the existing airfield in the Belgian city of Liège unsuitable, leading to the construction of a new facility in Bierset – the location of the Aéroport de Liège to this day. Today, this airport stands as a crucial component of the global supply chain, and understanding its trajectory offers valuable insights into the dynamics of air cargo and regional advancement.
The Rise of Liège Airport as a Cargo Powerhouse
Currently, Liège Airport ranks among the largest cargo airports in Europe, surpassed onyl by Frankfurt, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Amsterdam, and Leipzig/Halle. In 2024 alone, the airport processed over 1.1 million tonnes of freight, demonstrating its pivotal role in international trade. Major players in the air cargo industry, including Air China Cargo, ASL Airlines, Emirates Skycargo,Ethiopian Cargo,FedEx Express,Kalitta Air,Qatar Airways Cargo,and Western Global Airlines,regularly utilize Liège as a key operational base.
Did You Know? Liège Airport’s strategic location and efficient infrastructure have made it a preferred hub for e-commerce fulfillment, particularly for cross-border trade within europe.
This success isn’t accidental; it’s a result of strategic investment and a forward-thinking approach to airport design.
A Terminal Built for the Future
While the airport excels in cargo operations, its passenger terminal tells a different story. A new terminal was constructed two decades ago with a clear vision. Architect Philippe Greisch explained the core objective
