By Maria Kalamatas | July 24, 2025
Section: International / Air Freight & Seasonal Trends
Frankfurt, July 24 — Airlines across Europe are maximizing the use of passenger aircraft belly space to move freight as summer travel demand reaches record levels, helping forwarders secure additional capacity at a time when dedicated freighters remain scarce.
“Belly cargo is once again a lifeline for shippers,” said Martin Keller, network planning manager at Lufthansa Cargo. “Passenger flights give us the flexibility to carry more high-value and time-sensitive freight without relying solely on charters.”
Passenger traffic fuels cargo lift
Electronics, pharmaceuticals, and fashion goods are filling spare hold space on busy transatlantic and Asia-Europe routes, providing shippers with faster and more reliable lift than backlogged freighter operations can offer.
“This approach helps stabilize rates for our customers,” Keller explained. “Without belly space, many would face steeper premiums.”
Operational strain on the ground
The surge in passenger and cargo volumes is testing ground crews, who must balance baggage handling with cargo loading under tight schedules.
“Our teams are on overlapping shifts, making sure both passengers and freight move on time,” said Eva Schneider, ground operations supervisor at Frankfurt Airport.
Looking ahead
Analysts say belly capacity will remain a stabilizing force for air cargo through August, but warn that rates could climb again once passenger traffic tapers off in early autumn.
