Ostend-Bruges International Airport, managed and operated by Egis since 2014, has been selected to host the next edition of the World Cargo Summit, which will take place from 27 to 29 January 2025.
Following on from Abu Dhabi and Bangkok, the event organiser Euroavia International was seeking a suitable host airport in Europe. Ostend was a natural choice given its booming air freight activities and ambition to be one of the top 20 cargo airports in Europe by 2030. The 2023 and 2024 editions of the event were each attended by more than 400 delegates from all over the world to discuss the economic, strategic and commercial issues facing the market.
Eric Dumas, CEO of Ostend-Bruges and Antwerp Airports said: "This is a great honour and opportunity for the airport, especially since we’re seeking to raise its international profile among freight operators.”
Multiple and concrete measures to support cargo efficiency
The selection of Ostend is testament to the dynamism of the airport and its management team. The airport stands out in terms of efficiency, flexibility and speed of operations. Ostend Airport has seen a 150% increase in cargo activity in recent years. With easy access by road, rail, and from major seaports such as Antwerp, Ghent, Zeebrugge, Ostend, Calais and Rotterdam, the airport ensures efficient connectivity with European markets, enhancing the potential for multimodal freight solutions.
Its efficiency is backed by world-class service and infrastructure. The airport runway accommodates Code 4-E aircraft, there is a dedicated cargo apron equipped with multiple wide-body stands, and efficient ground logistics operations. Customers appreciate 24/7 operational capability, no slots and fast turnaround, enabling excellent on-time performance for cargo flights. It also has facilities for secure and optimised cargo handling (customs, veterinary inspection, code 9 fire brigade). A highlight of its infrastructure is its extensive warehouse facilities, totalling 25,000 m².
Substantial investments
The ongoing Cargo Village project, in collaboration with Versluys Logistics, demonstrates Ostend Airport’s commitment to improving quality of service and will eventually add 48,000 m² of state-of-the-art warehousing to its facilities. In addition, measures to improve the cargo handling process through digitalisation, such as the introduction of the OST Cloud by Nallian application, are simplifying and speeding up the cargo process for logistics partners.
Another important project is the complete renovation of the runway and taxiways, replacing all lighting with energy-saving LED lights. The aim is to guarantee the efficiency of flight operations within a continuing commitment to environmental responsibility. In parallel, work has begun on a solar farm that will supply all the airport's needs, producing more than 35GW per year. Ostend is on track to achieve level 2 of the Airport Council International's Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) and is rapidly moving towards level 3 by engaging third parties to reduce their emissions.
These investments support the airport's objective of becoming a strategic point in a rapidly changing logistics landscape.
