Global Cargo Airports Spending Billions To More Than Double Capacity By 2030

Global air freight growth—fuelled by cross-border e-commerce, shifting manufacturing routes and ongoing disruptions in maritime supply chains—has pushed many cargo airports to the limit, with constraints like urban sprawl, outdated sorting facilities and runway/tarmac bottlenecks. The result: airport operators and logistics groups are committing billions to major airside upgrades aimed at doubling freight capacity by 2030, using automation and AI-integrated cargo systems, including cold-chain storage and faster links to sea and rail. The report highlights five hubs, starting with Punta Cana International Airport in the Dominican Republic. Backed by a $200 million DP World and Punta Cana Free Trade Zone joint venture, PUJ’s capacity is targeted to rise from 33,000 short tons to over 220,000 short tons annually, supported by multimodal connectivity and about 43,000 sq ft of temperature-controlled cold storage.