Emirates SkyCargo Expands European Reach with New Liege Freighter Hub
Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo arm of the world’s largest international airline, has added Liege, Belgium (LGG) to its freighter network—marking its first new freighter destination of 2026. The move signals the start of a significant expansion phase, with further network growth planned over the next 12 months.
A Strategic Gateway in Europe’s ‘Golden Triangle’
Centrally located within the Amsterdam–Paris–Frankfurt production “golden triangle” and supported by excellent road connectivity, Liege Airport has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing cargo hubs.
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In 2025 alone, the airport recorded a 14% increase in cargo volumes, reinforcing its status as a preferred gateway for global logistics.
From Adhoc Operations to Scheduled Capacity
Emirates SkyCargo has previously served Liege through adhoc freighters, transporting specialised cargo including fresh-cut flowers, e-commerce shipments, and dedicated horse charters for international competitions.
In response to sustained demand, the airline will now operate five scheduled freighter flights per week, adding 500 tonnes of cargo capacity weekly to ensure faster, more reliable, and more efficient movement of goods.
Pharma and E-Commerce at the Core
Three of the five weekly freighters will connect Liege, Chicago O’Hare, and Al Maktoum International Airport (Dubai), supporting the transport of critical, temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals through a seamless cool-chain solution. The remaining two freighters will originate in Hong Kong, carrying high-volume e-commerce shipments to and through Liege for onward distribution.
Strengthening Customer Connectivity
Khawla Abdulla, Vice President of Cargo Commercial for Europe at Emirates SkyCargo, said: “Adding Liege as a fixture to our freighter network is a strategic step that enhances our European footprint and unlocks more connectivity for our global customers.
"In 2025, we moved more than 15,000 tonnes of cargo from Belgium across freighters and bellyhold capacity on our double-daily passenger flights to Brussels. With the deployment of five weekly freighters, we anticipate significant growth.
"Liege Airport’s freighter-first operations, world-class infrastructure, and well-connected logistics ecosystem enable us to deliver consistently high service levels for our customers across Belgium and neighbouring countries.”
Liege Airport Reinforces Its Role as a Freighter Hub
Torsten Wefers, Vice President Sales and Marketing at Liege Airport, commented: “We are honoured that Emirates SkyCargo has added Liege Airport to its global freighter network. These new scheduled services link Liege with major global airports, including Emirates SkyCargo’s Dubai hub.
"This development highlights the rapidly increasing importance of Liege Airport within the European air cargo industry and further strengthens our position as Europe’s largest freighter hub, with a strong focus on pharma, fresh, live animals, and express cargo.
"We look forward to a close and lasting partnership and to providing a flexible home for Emirates SkyCargo’s Boeing 777 freighters.”
Continued Growth Across Europe and Beyond
Europe remains one of Emirates SkyCargo’s busiest and most strategic regions, currently served by 38 freighters and 538 passenger flights each week. The airline continues to expand its footprint, with passenger services to Helsinki, Finland, set to launch in October 2026.
Supported by the delivery of up to 10 new Boeing 777 freighters by December 2026, alongside additional passenger aircraft, Emirates SkyCargo is well positioned to further grow its global network and deliver its world-class cargo products and services to more destinations worldwide.
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