
Airport Ground And Cargo Handling Services Market
Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market Forecasts to 2030 - Global Analysis By Services (Passenger Handling, Baggage Cargo and Mail Handling and Ground Operations), Airport Type (Domestic Airports and International Airports), Infrastructure Type, Ground Handling Service Provider and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market is accounted for $44.7 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $92.2 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 12.8% during the forecast period. Airport ground and cargo handling services refer to the comprehensive range of operations and activities performed at airports to facilitate aircraft movements, passenger processing, and cargo handling. These services include baggage handling, passenger check-in, aircraft loading and unloading, cargo warehousing, catering, refueling, aircraft maintenance, and other support functions essential for efficient air transportation operations.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) various funds to the airports in the United States to introduce electric ground support vehicles in the coming years. In October 2022, FAA, the largest United States transportation agency, awarded more than USD 27 million to help a dozen airports to purchase zero-emission buses, charging stations, and other equipment used to service planes at gates.
Market Dynamics:
Driver:
Increase in air traffic
The increase in air traffic is a significant driver for the airport ground and cargo handling services market. As global air travel becomes more affordable and accessible, the number of passengers and flights continues to rise. This surge in air traffic necessitates efficient ground and cargo handling services to manage the increased volume of passengers, baggage, and cargo. The expansion of airport infrastructure and the introduction of new routes further fuel the demand for these services, driving market growth.
Restraint:
High operational costs
High operational costs pose a significant restraint to the airport ground and cargo handling services market. The costs associated with maintaining and upgrading ground handling equipment, training personnel, and adhering to stringent regulatory standards can be substantial. Additionally, fluctuating fuel prices and labor costs add to the financial burden on service providers. These high operational expenses can limit profitability and hinder the ability of companies to invest in new technologies and expand their service offerings.
Opportunity:
Expansion of e-commerce
The expansion of e-commerce presents a substantial opportunity for the airport ground and cargo handling services market. The rapid growth of online shopping has led to an increase in air cargo volumes, as businesses seek faster delivery times for their products. This surge in air freight demand drives the need for efficient cargo handling services at airports. Service providers can capitalize on this trend by investing in advanced cargo handling technologies and infrastructure to enhance efficiency and meet the growing needs of the e-commerce sector.
Threat:
Security concerns
Security concerns pose a significant threat to the airport ground and cargo handling services market. The need to ensure the safety and security of passengers, baggage, and cargo is paramount, and any lapses can have severe consequences. Stringent security regulations and the constant threat of terrorism require service providers to invest heavily in security measures and technologies. These investments can be costly and complex, potentially impacting the profitability and operational efficiency of ground and cargo handling services.
Covid-19 Impact:
The Covid-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the airport ground and cargo handling services market. The sharp decline in air travel due to lockdowns and travel restrictions led to a significant reduction in passenger and cargo volumes. This downturn resulted in substantial revenue losses for service providers. However, the pandemic also highlighted the importance of efficient cargo handling for essential goods, leading to increased investments in automation and digital solutions to enhance operational resilience and efficiency.
The passenger handling segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The passenger handling segment is expected to dominate the airport ground and cargo handling services market due to the critical role it plays in ensuring smooth and efficient passenger flow through airports. This segment includes services such as check-in, boarding, baggage handling, and assistance with immigration and customs procedures. The increasing number of air travelers and the emphasis on enhancing passenger experience drive the demand for comprehensive passenger handling services, making it the largest segment in the market.
The domestic airports segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
The domestic airports segment is projected to have the highest CAGR in the airport ground and cargo handling services market. The growth of domestic air travel, particularly in emerging economies, is driving the demand for efficient ground handling services at domestic airports. Investments in airport infrastructure, the introduction of new domestic routes, and the rising number of domestic passengers contribute to the rapid growth of this segment. Service providers are focusing on enhancing operational efficiency and passenger experience at domestic airports to capitalize on this trend.
Region with largest share:
The European region is positioned to dominate the airport ground and cargo handling services market due to its well-established aviation infrastructure and high air traffic volumes. Major airports in countries like the UK, Germany, and France serve as key hubs for international travel and cargo transport. The presence of leading service providers and continuous investments in airport modernization and expansion further bolster Europe's dominant market share. The region's focus on enhancing passenger experience and operational efficiency drives the demand for ground and cargo handling services.
Region with highest CAGR:
The Asia Pacific region anticipates rapid growth in the airport ground and cargo handling services market, driven by increasing air travel, rising disposable incomes, and expanding middle-class populations. Countries like China, India, and Japan are investing heavily in airport infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of passengers and cargo volumes. The region's booming e-commerce sector and the development of new airports in smaller cities further contribute to the high CAGR. Technological advancements and the adoption of automation in ground handling operations also support market growth in Asia Pacific.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players in Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market include Swissport International AG, Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), Menzies Aviation, dnata, SATS Ltd., DHL Aviation, FedEx Express, UPS Airlines, Lufthansa Cargo AG, Air France-KLM Cargo, Qatar Airways Cargo, Emirates SkyCargo, Cathay Pacific Cargo, Korean Air Cargo, China Airlines Cargo, Singapore Airlines Cargo, Turkish Cargo, Japan Airlines Cargo, British Airways World Cargo, and American Airlines Cargo.
Key Developments:
In April 2024, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has awarded a cargo handling contract to Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) at a fourth major airport gateway in North America. The new three-year agreement will see WFS, a member of SATS Group, handle cargo onboard SAS flights to and from Boston. The airline now offers daily Airbus A350 flights between the New England city and the Danish capital, Copenhagen.
In Mar 2024, Swissport International AG has been selected by Vietnamese low-cost carrier Vietjet Air to provide a wide range of airport ground services. Swissport will also support and advise Vietjet Air in developing state-of-the-art air cargo handling services as well as managing air cargo centers to the highest international standards. A memorandum of understanding between Swissport International AG and Vietjet Air was witnessed this week at the Vietnam-Australia Business Forum in Melbourne, Australia.
In Mar 2024, Belgrade Airport, powered by VINCI Airports, announces Menzies Aviation, a leading service partner to the world’s airports and airlines, has started providing full ground handling services at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport. From 5 March 2024, the aviation services provider will provide ramp handling and baggage, de-icing and passenger services. It will also provide PRM services and air cargo services. The contract will see Belgrade Airport transfer all ground handling service contracts to Menzies Aviation, subject to partner airlines consent.
Services Covered:
• Passenger Handling
• Baggage Handling
• Cargo and Mail Handling
• Ground Operations
Airport Types Covered:
• Domestic Airports
• International Airports
Infrastructure Types Covered:
• Greenfield Airports
• Brownfield Airports
Ground Handling Service Providers Covered:
• Airline Ground Handling Subsidiaries (In-house)
• Independent Ground Handling Service Companies
Regions Covered:
• North America
o US
o Canada
o Mexico
• Europe
o Germany
o UK
o Italy
o France
o Spain
o Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
o Japan
o China
o India
o Australia
o New Zealand
o South Korea
o Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
o Argentina
o Brazil
o Chile
o Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
o Saudi Arabia
o UAE
o Qatar
o South Africa
o Rest of Middle East & Africa
What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026, and 2030
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements
Free Customization Offerings:
All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:
• Company Profiling
o Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
o SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
o Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances
Table of Contents
1 Executive Summary
2 Preface
2.1 Abstract
2.2 Stake Holders
2.3 Research Scope
2.4 Research Methodology
2.4.1 Data Mining
2.4.2 Data Analysis
2.4.3 Data Validation
2.4.4 Research Approach
2.5 Research Sources
2.5.1 Primary Research Sources
2.5.2 Secondary Research Sources
2.5.3 Assumptions
3 Market Trend Analysis
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Drivers
3.3 Restraints
3.4 Opportunities
3.5 Threats
3.6 Emerging Markets
3.7 Impact of Covid-19
4 Porters Five Force Analysis
4.1 Bargaining power of suppliers
4.2 Bargaining power of buyers
4.3 Threat of substitutes
4.4 Threat of new entrants
4.5 Competitive rivalry
5 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market, By Services
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Passenger Handling
5.2.1 Check-in and Boarding Services
5.2.2 Passenger Security Facilitation
5.2.3 Lost and Found Services
5.2.4 Passenger Assistance
5.2.5 Other Passenger Services
5.3 Baggage Handling
5.3.1 Baggage Screening
5.3.2 Baggage Sorting
5.3.3 Baggage Claim
5.4 Cargo and Mail Handling
5.4.1 Cargo Acceptance
5.4.2 Cargo Storage
5.4.3 Cargo Documentation
5.4.4 Cargo Screening
5.4.5 Cargo Loading/Unloading
5.5 Ground Operations
5.5.1 Aircraft Pushback and Towing
5.5.2 Aircraft De-icing
5.5.3 Ground Power Unit (GPU) Services
5.5.4 Air Start Unit (ASU) Services
5.5.5 Lavatory and Cabin Waste Services
6 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market, By Airport Type
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Domestic Airports
6.3 International Airports
7 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market, By Infrastructure Type
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Greenfield Airports
7.3 Brownfield Airports
8 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market, By Ground Handling Service Provider
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Airline Ground Handling Subsidiaries (In-house)
8.3 Independent Ground Handling Service Companies
9 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market, By Geography
9.1 Introduction
9.2 North America
9.2.1 US
9.2.2 Canada
9.2.3 Mexico
9.3 Europe
9.3.1 Germany
9.3.2 UK
9.3.3 Italy
9.3.4 France
9.3.5 Spain
9.3.6 Rest of Europe
9.4 Asia Pacific
9.4.1 Japan
9.4.2 China
9.4.3 India
9.4.4 Australia
9.4.5 New Zealand
9.4.6 South Korea
9.4.7 Rest of Asia Pacific
9.5 South America
9.5.1 Argentina
9.5.2 Brazil
9.5.3 Chile
9.5.4 Rest of South America
9.6 Middle East & Africa
9.6.1 Saudi Arabia
9.6.2 UAE
9.6.3 Qatar
9.6.4 South Africa
9.6.5 Rest of Middle East & Africa
10 Key Developments
10.1 Agreements, Partnerships, Collaborations and Joint Ventures
10.2 Acquisitions & Mergers
10.3 New Product Launch
10.4 Expansions
10.5 Other Key Strategies
11 Company Profiling
11.1 Swissport International AG
11.2 Worldwide Flight Services (WFS)
11.3 Menzies Aviation
11.4 dnata
11.5 SATS Ltd.
11.6 DHL Aviation
11.7 FedEx Express
11.8 UPS Airlines
11.9 Lufthansa Cargo AG
11.10 Air France-KLM Cargo
11.11 Qatar Airways Cargo
11.12 Emirates SkyCargo
11.13 Cathay Pacific Cargo
11.14 Korean Air Cargo
11.15 China Airlines Cargo
11.16 Singapore Airlines Cargo
11.17 Turkish Cargo
11.18 Japan Airlines Cargo
11.19 British Airways World Cargo
11.20 American Airlines Cargo
List of Tables
1 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market Outlook, By Region (2022-2030) ($MN)
2 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market Outlook, By Services (2022-2030) ($MN)
3 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market Outlook, By Passenger Handling (2022-2030) ($MN)
4 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market Outlook, By Check-in and Boarding Services (2022-2030) ($MN)
5 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market Outlook, By Passenger Security Facilitation (2022-2030) ($MN)
6 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market Outlook, By Lost and Found Services (2022-2030) ($MN)
7 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market Outlook, By Passenger Assistance (2022-2030) ($MN)
8 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market Outlook, By Other Passenger Services (2022-2030) ($MN)
9 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market Outlook, By Baggage Handling (2022-2030) ($MN)
10 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market Outlook, By Baggage Screening (2022-2030) ($MN)
11 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market Outlook, By Baggage Sorting (2022-2030) ($MN)
12 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market Outlook, By Baggage Claim (2022-2030) ($MN)
13 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market Outlook, By Cargo and Mail Handling (2022-2030) ($MN)
14 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market Outlook, By Cargo Acceptance (2022-2030) ($MN)
15 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market Outlook, By Cargo Storage (2022-2030) ($MN)
16 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market Outlook, By Cargo Documentation (2022-2030) ($MN)
17 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market Outlook, By Cargo Screening (2022-2030) ($MN)
18 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market Outlook, By Cargo Loading/Unloading (2022-2030) ($MN)
19 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market Outlook, By Ground Operations (2022-2030) ($MN)
20 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market Outlook, By Aircraft Pushback and Towing (2022-2030) ($MN)
21 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market Outlook, By Aircraft De-icing (2022-2030) ($MN)
22 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market Outlook, By Ground Power Unit (GPU) Services (2022-2030) ($MN)
23 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market Outlook, By Air Start Unit (ASU) Services (2022-2030) ($MN)
24 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market Outlook, By Lavatory and Cabin Waste Services (2022-2030) ($MN)
25 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market Outlook, By Airport Type (2022-2030) ($MN)
26 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market Outlook, By Domestic Airports (2022-2030) ($MN)
27 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market Outlook, By International Airports (2022-2030) ($MN)
28 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market Outlook, By Infrastructure Type (2022-2030) ($MN)
29 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market Outlook, By Greenfield Airports (2022-2030) ($MN)
30 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market Outlook, By Brownfield Airports (2022-2030) ($MN)
31 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market Outlook, By Ground Handling Service Provider (2022-2030) ($MN)
32 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market Outlook, By Airline Ground Handling Subsidiaries (In-house) (2022-2030) ($MN)
33 Global Airport Ground and Cargo Handling Services Market Outlook, By Independent Ground Handling Service Companies (2022-2030) ($MN)
Note: Tables for North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East & Africa Regions are also represented in the same manner as above.
List of Figures
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

We at ‘Stratistics’ opt for an extensive research approach which involves data mining, data validation, and data analysis. The various research sources include in-house repository, secondary research, competitor’s sources, social media research, client internal data, and primary research.
Our team of analysts prefers the most reliable and authenticated data sources in order to perform the comprehensive literature search. With access to most of the authenticated data bases our team highly considers the best mix of information through various sources to obtain extensive and accurate analysis.
Each report takes an average time of a month and a team of 4 industry analysts. The time may vary depending on the scope and data availability of the desired market report. The various parameters used in the market assessment are standardized in order to enhance the data accuracy.
Data Mining
The data is collected from several authenticated, reliable, paid and unpaid sources and is filtered depending on the scope & objective of the research. Our reports repository acts as an added advantage in this procedure. Data gathering from the raw material suppliers, distributors and the manufacturers is performed on a regular basis, this helps in the comprehensive understanding of the products value chain. Apart from the above mentioned sources the data is also collected from the industry consultants to ensure the objective of the study is in the right direction.
Market trends such as technological advancements, regulatory affairs, market dynamics (Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities and Challenges) are obtained from scientific journals, market related national & international associations and organizations.
Data Analysis
From the data that is collected depending on the scope & objective of the research the data is subjected for the analysis. The critical steps that we follow for the data analysis include:
- Product Lifecycle Analysis
- Competitor analysis
- Risk analysis
- Porters Analysis
- PESTEL Analysis
- SWOT Analysis
The data engineering is performed by the core industry experts considering both the Marketing Mix Modeling and the Demand Forecasting. The marketing mix modeling makes use of multiple-regression techniques to predict the optimal mix of marketing variables. Regression factor is based on a number of variables and how they relate to an outcome such as sales or profits.
Data Validation
The data validation is performed by the exhaustive primary research from the expert interviews. This includes telephonic interviews, focus groups, face to face interviews, and questionnaires to validate our research from all aspects. The industry experts we approach come from the leading firms, involved in the supply chain ranging from the suppliers, distributors to the manufacturers and consumers so as to ensure an unbiased analysis.
We are in touch with more than 15,000 industry experts with the right mix of consultants, CEO's, presidents, vice presidents, managers, experts from both supply side and demand side, executives and so on.
The data validation involves the primary research from the industry experts belonging to:
- Leading Companies
- Suppliers & Distributors
- Manufacturers
- Consumers
- Industry/Strategic Consultants
Apart from the data validation the primary research also helps in performing the fill gap research, i.e. providing solutions for the unmet needs of the research which helps in enhancing the reports quality.
For more details about research methodology, kindly write to us at info@strategymrc.com
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