Frankfurt Airport (FRA) reported higher traffic figures in January, with cargo volumes, aircraft movements and overall operational metrics posting year‑on‑year gains.

The airport handled 150,044 metric tons of cargo, up 1.2% from January 2025. Aircraft movements increased 1.1% to 31,284 takeoffs and landings, while total maximum takeoff weights (MTOWs) rose 0.6% to around 2.0 million metric tons.

The increase in cargo throughput comes amid a gradual recovery in global airfreight demand, supported by firmer manufacturing activity, steady ecommerce flows and improved supply‑chain reliability. Frankfurt remains Europe’s busiest cargo hub, and even modest growth is viewed as a sign of stabilizing market conditions.

Passenger traffic also grew in January, rising 4.9% year‑on‑year, according to operator Fraport.

Despite the annual gains, January cargo volumes were lower than the 173,610 metric tons recorded in December 2025, when peak‑season demand typically lifts throughput.

Aircraft movements in December were also higher, rising 4.2% to 34,711.

For full-year 2025, the airport handled more freight than any other European hub, with FRA reporting a 1.1% year-on-year growth in cargo volumes — comprising airfreight and airmail — to around 2.1 million metric tons.

Fraport has not issued a full‑year forecast for 2026, but January’s results point to a steady start to the year across both passenger and cargo operations.