The Development and Progression of Air Cargo Transportation in Spain

In the heart of Europe, Spain's air freight sector is experiencing a surge in growth, playing a crucial role in the global supply chain. The country's strategic location and reliable air transport make it an ideal hub for high-value, urgent goods.

Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport and Barcelona-El Prat Airport, two of Spain's most significant airports, serve as major international gateways for air cargo. Although specific capacity details for Spanish airports are not readily available, the European Union's air cargo capacity is projected to increase by 3% to 4% year-on-year in 2025, with the Spanish market contributing to this growth.

Key players in Spain's air freight sector include Freightos, a leading digital freight booking and payment platform headquartered in Barcelona. In Q2 2025, Freightos reported a 26% year-over-year increase in transactions, expanding its network to include 75 carriers, such as Air Europa, a Spanish airline. IAG Cargo, another major Spanish-based cargo airline, reported a 21% increase year-on-year in perishable goods transported in H1 2025.

The air freight sector in Spain has been instrumental during the COVID-19 pandemic, playing a critical role in maintaining supply chains worldwide. Post-pandemic, Spain, like the rest of Europe, has seen a normalization in air freight demand with more stable growth sectors such as pharma and e-commerce.

Sustainability is also a growing concern in the air freight sector. Spain, in alignment with EU regulations, is affected by the ReFuelEU Aviation initiative. This requires airports to incorporate sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), leading to surcharges and infrastructure adaptations for air freight operators and passengers alike.

Air transport offers punctuality and speed, with the ability to transport goods worldwide within 24 hours. Companies like DHL, FedEx, Seur, Flightline, or Swiftair, alongside major airlines such as Norwegian Air Shuttle, Iberia, and the Lufthansa Group, ensure that goods ranging from car components to guacamole sauce reach their destinations promptly.

As the air freight sector continues to evolve, it is expected to rebound when economic conditions improve, with the decisive commitment of world governments and the European Union to clean up the economy of airlines and air cargo companies. Spain's air freight sector, with its robust digital platforms and active participation of major companies, is well-positioned to meet these challenges and continue its growth trajectory.

The air freight sector in Spain, with its immense growth, has become a significant player in the global financial landscape, contributing to the economy's personal-finance sector and attracting potential investors.
In the world of lifestyle and food-and-drink, air freight services ensure the rapid transportation of high-value goods, such as fresh produce and gourmet ingredients, maintaining the quality from production to consumption.
The energy sector also benefits from the efficiency of air freight, as components for renewable technologies can be swiftly transported across continents, contributing to the technological advancement in the sector.
For those interested in education-and-self-development, Spain's air freight sector facilitates the distribution of educational materials and resources, empowering individuals worldwide to pursue knowledge and self-improvement.
In the realm of travel, air freight plays a crucial role in transporting luggage and other items for passengers, enhancing their overall travel experience.
Shopping, both online and offline, benefits from the punctuality and speed of air freight, allowing customers to receive their purchases within a day or two, regardless of their location.
The casino-and-gambling industry relies on air freight for transporting valuable assets, such as chips and gaming equipment, ensuring smooth operations and a seamless experience for customers.
General-news outlets often cover the air freight sector, reporting on trends, developments, and challenges faced by companies like Freightos, IAG Cargo, or the Lufthansa Group, providing valuable insights for businesses in the home-and-garden, sports, technology, and various other industries.