Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) is positioning itself as one of Europe’s most efficient cargo hubs for perishable goods, following the release of new operational data highlighting significant performance gains in flower logistics.
According to 2025 data, flower shipments entering Europe via MST reach their final destination in roughly half the time compared to similar cargo routed through other European airports.
On average, flower cargo is processed in just three hours at MST, compared to handling times ranging between 3.5 and 6.5 hours at competing airports. During peak periods, the airport maintains consistent processing times between two and four hours, while delays at other hubs can extend up to ten hours.
These results are supported by approximately 5,000 temperature measurements collected as part of a broader investment in advanced monitoring technologies implemented in 2025. The objective: preserve cargo quality and extend shelf life for highly sensitive goods.
“Handling time is a decisive factor in the quality and shelf life of flowers,” said Dean Boljuncic, Head of Commercial Development at MST. “Every minute of exposure to higher temperatures reduces product value. Our data confirms that we consistently reduce that exposure.”
The airport’s strategic location, combined with direct motorway access, further strengthens its logistics performance. Around 80% of flower shipments arriving via MST reach the Aalsmeer auction — Europe’s largest flower trading hub — before closing on the same day.
By shortening the logistics chain, MST not only improves product quality but also reduces waste across the supply chain.
With strong operational consistency, available capacity and minimal congestion, Maastricht is increasingly emerging as a credible alternative to larger European cargo hubs, particularly for time-critical and temperature-sensitive shipments.
