Eastern Europe Air Cargo Services Market Outlook (2022-2033)

The Eastern Europe air cargo services market size is expected to reach US$ 16,344.5 million by 2033 from US$ 8,716.5 million in 2024. The market is estimated to record a CAGR of 7.2% from 2025 to 2033.

Executive Summary and Eastern Europe Air Cargo Services Market Analysis:

Eastern Europe air cargo services market is experiencing steady growth, driven by infrastructure development, increasing trade volumes, and regional integration. Key economies such as Russian Federation, Poland, Romania, Czech Republic, Greece, Ukraine, Slovakia, and Bulgaria are playing pivotal roles in enhancing the region’s air cargo capabilities through investments in airport modernization, cold chain logistics, and digital freight solutions.

Russian Federation continues to lead the region with extensive airport networks and logistics infrastructure, supported by modernization projects at major hubs like Sheremetyevo and Domodedovo airports. The country is focusing on improving cargo handling efficiency and expanding capacity for high-value and time-sensitive shipments.

Poland is emerging as a key logistics hub in Central Europe, with Warsaw Chopin Airport and Krakow Airport undergoing expansions to support growing e-commerce and industrial cargo demand. The government is promoting automation and bonded logistics zones to enhance supply chain efficiency.

Romania is investing in airport upgrades and customs modernization, particularly at Henri Coandă International Airport, to facilitate faster clearance and handling of pharmaceuticals, perishables, and electronics shipments. Czech Republic is strengthening its air cargo infrastructure with improvements at Vaclav Havel Airport Prague, focusing on temperature-controlled logistics and digital freight tracking systems to support exports and imports.

Greece is expanding its air freight capabilities through modernization of Athens International Airport and regional airports, with emphasis on cold chain facilities and multimodal connectivity to support tourism-related cargo and fresh produce exports.

Ukraine is rebuilding and upgrading its air cargo network despite ongoing challenges, prioritizing automation, cargo terminal expansion, and enhanced customs procedures to boost trade flow and e-commerce logistics. Slovakia is scaling up its cargo handling infrastructure at Bratislava Airport and leveraging its strategic location between Western and Eastern Europe to facilitate efficient cargo transit and distribution. Bulgaria is focusing on airport modernization, customs facilitation, and digitalization at Sofia Airport to support increasing volumes of electronics, pharmaceuticals, and perishables in the regional air cargo market.

Eastern Europe Air Cargo Services Market Segmentation Analysis

Key segments that contributed to the derivation of the air cargo services market analysis are type, destination and end user.

• By type, the air cargo services market is bifurcated into regular and express. The regular segment dominated the market in 2024.
• By destination, the market is bifurcated into international and domestic. The international segment held the largest share of the market in 2024.
• By end user, the market is segmented into retail, pharmaceutical/healthcare, food/beverage, consumer electronics, automotive, and others. The pharmaceutical/healthcare segment held the largest share of the market in 2024.

Eastern Europe Air Cargo Services Market Outlook

The Eastern Europe air cargo services market is among the most mature and strategically positioned globally, supported by its robust multimodal logistics infrastructure, well-integrated airport networks, and dense trade corridors. The region benefits from strong participation in international trade, advanced supply chain technologies, and increasing demand for e-commerce, pharmaceutical, and time-sensitive goods. Key markets such as Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Belgium serve as vital gateways for both intra-Eastern European and global air freight flows.

A major factor driving market growth is the region’s emphasis on automation, digital freight management, and sustainability. Airlines and logistics providers are investing in AI-enabled cargo tracking systems, low-emission aircraft, and smart warehousing to enhance visibility, reduce turnaround times, and meet climate goals. Additionally, EU-wide initiatives supporting cross-border logistics integration, green transportation corridors, and customs modernization are reinforcing Eastern Europe’s position as a global air cargo leader. As consumer expectations and trade volumes grow, the Eastern Europe air cargo services market is poised for further expansion and innovation.

Eastern Europe Air Cargo Services Market Country Insights

Based on country, the Eastern Europe air cargo services market is witnessing dynamic growth, supported by strategic investments in infrastructure, digital transformation, and expanding e-commerce logistics. Countries such as the Russian Federation, Poland, Romania, the Czech Republic, Greece, Ukraine, Slovakia, and Bulgaria are emerging as important players in the regional cargo network by enhancing airport capacities, modernizing customs systems, and promoting sustainable freight practices.

The Russian Federation continues to be a key logistics player in Eastern Europe, supported by major cargo hubs like Sheremetyevo and Domodedovo Airports. Investments are focused on integrating multimodal freight corridors and expanding cold chain infrastructure to support growing exports in pharmaceuticals and perishables.

Poland is establishing itself as a logistics gateway between Western and Eastern Europe, with Warsaw Chopin and Katowice Airports supporting increasing air freight volumes. The country is enhancing customs clearance efficiency and investing in bonded logistics zones to handle time-sensitive and e-commerce cargo.

Romania is upgrading its air freight capabilities at key locations such as Henri Coandă International Airport. The country is investing in automation and smart warehousing to reduce turnaround times and improve air cargo throughput for industrial and consumer goods.

The Czech Republic is developing its air cargo sector with a focus on digital logistics platforms and improved cargo handling at Václav Havel Airport. The government is also supporting public-private partnerships to streamline operations and attract high-value freight flows.

Greece leverages its geographic position with Athens International Airport acting as a transshipment hub connecting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Infrastructure modernization and cold chain development are central to meeting growing trade demands.

Ukraine is rebuilding and modernizing its air cargo network, with efforts to restore connectivity and integrate digital customs solutions. Despite current challenges, the country is prioritizing logistics resilience and capacity-building for future recovery and trade integration.

Slovakia is expanding its role in regional cargo with Bratislava Airport offering growing cargo throughput and logistical support for industrial exports. The focus is on enhancing intermodal links and smart freight operations. Bulgaria is investing in airport upgrades and cargo terminal expansions, particularly at Sofia Airport, to support rising demand from the automotive, electronics, and food sectors. Government initiatives are encouraging digital freight ecosystems and temperature-controlled logistics.

The Eastern Europe air cargo services market is expected to continue evolving rapidly as nations increase investments in digital transformation, green freight solutions, and infrastructure upgrades. These country-specific efforts are collectively reinforcing Eastern Europe’s role as a global logistics leader.

Eastern Europe Air Cargo Services Market Company Profiles

ANA Cargo, Cargolux Airlines International S.A., Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, Emirates SkyCargo, Etihad Cargo, FedEx Corp, United Parcel Service Inc, Zela Aviation The Air Charter Company, Lufthansa Group, and Deutsche Post AG are among the key players operating in the market. These players adopt strategies such as expansion, product innovation, and mergers and acquisitions to stay competitive in the market and offer innovative products to their consumers.

Eastern Europe Air Cargo Services Market Research Methodology:

The following methodology has been followed for the collection and analysis of data presented in this report:

Secondary Research

The research process begins with comprehensive secondary research, utilizing both internal and external sources to gather qualitative and quantitative data for each market. Commonly referenced secondary research sources include, but are not limited to:

• Company websites, annual reports, financial statements, broker analyses, and investor presentations
• Industry trade journals and other relevant publications
• Government documents, statistical databases, and market reports
• News articles, press releases, and webcasts specific to companies operating in the market

Note: All financial data included in the Company Profiles section has been standardized to US$. For companies reporting in other currencies, figures have been converted to US$ using the relevant exchange rates for the corresponding year.

Primary Research

Business Market Insights conducts a significant number of primary interviews each year with industry stakeholders and experts to validate and analyze the data and gain valuable insights. These research interviews are designed to:

• Refine findings from secondary research
• Enhance the expertise and market understanding of the analysis team
• Gain insights into market size, trends, growth patterns, competitive dynamics, and future prospects

Primary research is conducted via email interactions and telephone interviews with industry experts across various markets, categories, segments, and sub-segments in different regions. Participants typically include:

• Industry stakeholders: Vice Presidents, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers
• External experts: Valuation specialists, research analysts, and key opinion leaders with industry-specific expertise

Eastern Europe Air Cargo Services Key Sources Referred:

• The International Air Transport Association (IATA)
• The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
• World Bank – Global Trade Indicators
• World Trade Organization (WTO)
• Airports Council International (ACI) – Europe Region
• European Commission – Transport and Mobility Data
• Company website
• Company annual reports
• Company investor presentations