2021 was a heavy hitter for air freight at Houston Airports. With a total of more than 537,700 metric tons of freight for IAH and HOU combined, last year was the best on record for Houston’s cargo operations. The figure represents a steep 16% increase from 2020 and a 1.3% increase from 2019. 

“2021 was a record-breaking year for cargo,” said Luis Aviles, Houston Airports Air Cargo Development Manager. “It’s encouraging to see how IAH and HOU are accommodating the growth of our air cargo partners and how our airports handled the increased cargo shipments during the COVID-19 pandemic.” 

An increase in domestic air freight in general was the primary factor for the surge in cargo volume. At IAH domestic freight increased by more than 20% in 2021 compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. For HOU, there was an 11% increase in domestic cargo volumes for the same period. 

“There was a clear e-commerce boom in the region which drastically increased air freight for all sorts of consumer goods such as electronics, home products, furniture, clothing, office and sports equipment, etc. On the other hand, some commercial airlines increased the cargo amounts they shipped in passenger flights,” Aviles said. 

Due to the prevalent travel restrictions around the world and the drastic decline in international trade, Aviles noted the trend of passenger-configured aircraft being used as cargo-only flights during the pandemic. International ad hoc cargo charters moving industrial machinery for the energy and medical industries were also areas of growth for Houston Airports’ cargo operations. Furthermore, the surges of the COVID variants created strong and immediate demand for more PPE shipments for Houston and the region. 

In contrast to the domestic upturn in cargo, the COVID-induced interruption of long-haul passenger flights by different air carriers disrupted commerce and consequently cargo shipments. These carriers are critical to move cargo to different regions like Asia, Australasia, Africa and Europe and their lack of service from Houston significantly affected international cargo tonnage.  

“As more of these routes are reinstated, the belly freight capacity in those flights will continue to rebound,” Aviles said. 

The IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program continues to be on track for completion in 2024. IAH’s international complex (Terminal D) will be refurbished and expanded to accommodate 13 wide-body gates, with room for five more in the future. The project will also improve baggage handling capacity, modernize facilities and be more attractive overall for long-haul carriers looking to establish new international routes.  

“As we have seen many times in the past, some foreign carriers have entered the market with passenger service only, but after witnessing the cargo demand have also started scheduling all-cargo service, in addition to the passenger flights,” Aviles said. “So there will be much room for growth in the coming years for Houston’s cargo industry and cargo operations at Bush and Hobby airports.”