Budapest strengthens its position on Europe’s air cargo map

Budapest Airport is now one of the fastest-growing air cargo hubs in Central and Eastern Europe, and its role in regional supply chains has expanded significantly in recent years. After surpassing nearly 300,000 tonnes of handled freight in 2024, the airport continues to grow at a strong pace, and current projections indicate it may approach 400,000 tonnes this year. Such momentum is not merely the result of operational efficiency – it reflects Budapest’s strategic strengthening as one of the most important junctions linking Asia, especially China, with Central and Eastern Europe. The airport already outperforms many neighbouring facilities in terms of cargo volumes, supported by infrastructural development and an increasingly mature local logistics market.

A key milestone in the airport’s development was the expansion of BUD Cargo City, completed in 2022. This modern complex enables the handling of substantial freight flows and allows Budapest to compete effectively with major Western European airports. Regular connections with Asia, particularly China, as well as strong activity from international courier companies, have positioned Budapest as a natural consolidation point for goods in the region. At the same time, the airport continues to raise operational standards – the implementation of the IATA CEIV Lithium Batteries certification placed Budapest among Europe’s leading airports in the safe handling of highly regulated shipments. This is particularly important in the context of transporting components for the production of electric cars, and it should be borne in mind that the automotive sector is a key pillar of the Hungarian economy.

From the perspective of a logistics operator engaged in air freight, such infrastructural development is crucial, as it expands our operational capabilities and strengthens our ability to support customers in building resilient and efficient supply chains.

E-commerce as a driving force

One of the main factors behind the airport’s recent expansion is the rapid growth of e-commerce, which generates an increasingly large share of total cargo volumes. In practice, however, this segment absorbs a substantial portion of available capacity, while Budapest also handles significant flows of other goods – including for the mentioned automotive sector. Strong demand for services routed through BUD, particularly during seasonal peaks in November and December, contributes to rising freight rates and heightened pressure on capacity.

Budapest is steadily transforming into a regional cargo centre whose role extends beyond supporting the domestic market. The airport’s advantages – modern infrastructure, favourable location, strong Asian connections and high operational standards – provide a solid foundation for its growing importance as one of the key logistics hubs in Central and Eastern Europe. Maintaining balance between market segments – e-commerce and all other categories – as well as continued development of operational capabilities will be essential. If this trajectory continues, Budapest will play an increasingly significant role in both regional and global supply chains. Our Hungarian branch continues to strengthen its performance in air freight year after year, particularly in export, where we consistently rank among the top fifteen operators by volume. At the same time, we are developing our import operations by enhancing our team’s competencies and building structures that support long-term growth in an increasingly competitive

Comprehensive logistics support as the foundation of supply chain continuity

In an environment of rising volumes and seasonal fluctuations, the ability to design stable and resilient supply chains becomes critical. At Rohlig SUUS Logistics, we operate air freight not only through Budapest but also via other terminals in the region, and we employ alternative modes of transport whenever needed. Depending on customer requirements, product characteristics or current market conditions, we select the most suitable solutions. We also provide rail and sea transport – in flows to and from Hungary we use both southern ports, such as Koper and Constanța, and northern gateways, including Gdańsk.

Ensuring continuity of supply chains also involves the ability to build inventory closer to the destination market. Amid ongoing disruptions in global trade flows, we observe that an increasing number of companies are choosing this model. We offer such a solution through our operations in Hungary as well. In 2024, we opened a modern 7,000 m² warehouse in Budapest, which functions as a multifunctional logistics centre combining storage, cross-docking and distribution. This enables us to provide a comprehensive range of services – warehousing, co-packing activities (including stand creation and labelling), order fulfilment, road transport – Less Than Truckload and Full Truck Load, as well as customs services, which are crucial for efficient international supply chains. Located adjacent to the airport and major transport routes, including the M0 and M4 motorways, the facility is an attractive hub for both local and global companies.

Rohlig Suus Logistics was named “Air Freight Forwarder of the Year” this year by an independent industry publication. This recognition also reflects our strong presence and active role in the market.