Construction of a new, state-of-the-art cargo facility at Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) in Pennsylvania has been announced, aimed at supporting the growth of air freight demand across the Mid-Atlantic region.

The first-line development will provide up to 105,000 sq. ft. of cargo space, with a flexible design allowing occupation by a single operator or subdivision for up to four tenants.

Located adjacent to the airfield apron, the facility will enable aircraft to park directly alongside the building for rapid transfer of cargo between aircraft and warehouse.

The development, a partnership between Realterm and the Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority (SARAA), will feature up to eight airside drive-in doors, 40 landside loading dock doors and more than 180 vehicle parking spaces.

It will also be built to LEED-certified standards, incorporating energy-efficient lighting, skylights, EV-ready infrastructure and flooring designed to support specialist cargo operations, including cooler facilities and pallet lifts.

According to Airports Council International (ACI) World, MDT handled more than 55,000 tonnes of cargo in 2025. Around 35% of the US population lives within a six-hour drive of the airport, positioning it as a key logistics hub for Central Pennsylvania and the wider Mid-Atlantic.

Timothy J. Edwards, A.A.E., executive director of the SARAA, said: “MDT recently completed a $60 million expansion of our airside cargo apron and we are truly excited about the partnership with Realterm and the prospect of a new of a state-of-the-art modern air cargo facility which will complement that infrastructure investment.”

Jennifer Carter, senior vice president, airport affairs at Realterm, said: “MDT is dedicated to continued cargo growth, and this development is a direct expression of that vision. The airport’s strategic location at the heart of Central Pennsylvania, serving a region that has attracted major investment from global companies, makes MDT the natural choice for operators looking for a competitive advantage in the Mid-Atlantic.”

Alexi Lachambre, senior vice president, investments, airport infrastructure at Realterm, said: “This development represents the strength of our long-standing partnership with SARAA, and we see significant untapped demand at MDT. This is a rare opportunity in today’s market, a readily developable first-line site served by a newly constructed aircraft ramp in a strategic US distribution location.”

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