Liege Airport recorded a 4% year-on-year increase in cargo tonnage in July 2026 despite a sharp fall in e-commerce parcel volumes following the introduction of new European customs regulations.
The regulations, introduced on July 1, include a €3 flat-rate tax on small parcels and prompted an immediate reorganisation of e-commerce flows through the airport.
At the Liege Bierset customs zone, the number of e-commerce parcels fell by 24% compared with July 2025 and by 41% compared with June 2026.
The number of customs declarations also declined sharply, falling by 52% compared with July 2025 and by 67% compared with June 2026, as B2C volumes valued below €150 were particularly affected by the new regulations.
However, according to a customs source, parcels valued above €150 increased by 10%, indicating a shift towards higher-value shipments and a rapid adaptation by logistics operators.
Despite the disruption to e-commerce traffic, Liege Airport's broader cargo operations continued to grow.
Total tonnage handled at the airport increased by 4% in July compared with the same month last year, while aircraft movements declined by 4%.
Liege Airport said the figures demonstrated increased optimisation of aircraft carrying capacity and the resilience of its diversified freight model.
Pharmaceuticals, data centre equipment and flowers were among the segments supporting cargo activity during the month.
The airport said continued investment in cold chain infrastructure was also reinforcing its position as a leading European hub for high-value and temperature-sensitive freight.
