The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) continues to be a major player on the global cargo stage as its once again named to the Top 5 in the world for the busiest cargo operations according to Airports Council International (ACI) World. In 2024, SDF was ranked no. 5 in the world and no. 3 in North America for the busiest cargo airports as shown in the preliminary World Airport Traffic Report.
“SDF has consistently played a vital role in worldwide air cargo operations for more than 20 years with 2024 being our best yet,” said Dan Mann, Executive Director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority. “As the proud home of UPS Worldport, where each year millions of pounds of critical and life-saving products and goods pass through SDF, we understand the importance our airport and airfield are to the global supply chain. We are grateful for our strong partnership with UPS and celebrate last year’s record. We feel confident as we look ahead to another successful year.”
“SDF is a key factor in UPS Airlines’ global market access, and their growth underscores the strong partnership we have,” said Bill Moore, President of UPS Airlines. “Their success enhances our ability to drive growth for our customers, while also highlighting what Louisville’s strengthened position in the air cargo sector means for this community’s economic development.”
As a Top 5 airport for cargo operations, SDF is busier than international airports in Incheon (Seoul), Korea; Doha, Qatar; Guangzhou, China and Taipei, Taiwan as well as Miami in the United States.
In 2024, SDF handled more than 6.95 billion pounds (3,152,969 metric tons) of cargo, an almost 16% increase over the previous year. Its growth rate for last year was nearly double the international average and bested nearly all Top 10 cargo airports including top ranking Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR; Shanghai, China and Memphis, TN.
According to ACI World, the Top 10 busiest cargo airports account for 26% of all global cargo volumes in 2024.
To ensure the airfield is always prepared to handle continued growth, nearly $132 million has been invested to date in various airfield-specific projects with an additional $81 million expected in the next two years as part of the SDF Next Program. This robust capital improvement initiative will see $1 billion in projects both in the terminal and on the airfield to ensure SDF is ready to meet the needs of not only the traveling public, but also its cargo partners.
Airports Council International is a worldwide trade association that was formed in 1991 by airport operators to represent common interests and foster cooperation in the air transport industry. ACI World releases their preliminary World Airport Traffic Report each spring, followed by the final report in the fall. Click here to read more about the ACI World’s Preliminary 2024 World Airport Traffic Report including the list of the Top 10 airports for passenger traffic, cargo operations and aircraft movements.
