Istanbul Airport recorded the highest cargo throughput among European airports during the first half of 2026, surpassing one million tonnes of freight and posting double-digit growth compared to the same period last year. According to reporting from Air Cargo News, data released by Airports Council International (ACI) Europe shows the Turkish hub has overtaken Frankfurt to become the region’s busiest cargo airport.

The airport’s strong performance reflects broader shifts in global air cargo networks. Ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including conflicts and airspace restrictions, have prompted many carriers to reroute operations away from traditional Gulf gateways. 

“Turkey’s geographical position at the junction of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East means it is situated close enough to capture demand and yet far enough away to continue its operations. That has made it an attractive alternative routing point,” said Kim Ekstroem, Global COO, Airfreight at Shipco Transport.

Turkish Airlines, the airport’s largest cargo operator, reported that its network and infrastructure helped support demand during a period of market disruption. In a company statement, the carrier said cargo volumes have increased by 11.3%, while cargo revenue rose 58% year over year to nearly USD 1.3 billion.

Meanwhile, Frankfurt Airport moved into second place following a series of operational and market challenges. As reported by Air Cargo News, Airport operator Fraport cited slower economic activity across the Eurozone, labor disruptions, fleet-related capacity constraints, and changes in trade lane demand as factors affecting cargo performance. The Middle East conflict also brought about more direct connections between Asia, Africa, and Europe while also reducing cargo capacity serving the region.

Source: Air Cargo News, Turkish Airlines, Shipco Transport