Swissport has recently expanded its logistics operations at EuroAirport Basel–Mulhouse–Freiburg by adding 800 square meters of new freight space. This expansion is aimed at addressing the increasing import volumes and enhancing the speed and efficiency of its cargo handling services.
To meet the growing demand from existing carrier networks, Swissport has increased its logistics infrastructure at EuroAirport Basel by 800 square meters. This additional space allows for optimized capacity and route planning for airlines already operating at the airport, while also supporting the company’s CO₂ reduction goals.
In 2024, Swissport handled over 47,000 tons of cargo at the site, highlighting EuroAirport’s strategic importance as a gateway for international goods, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector. To support this growth, Swissport has focused on more efficient use of existing flights, increased capacity, and implemented streamlined processes in coordination with both French and Swiss customs. These measures are tailored to the airport’s unique bi-national structure, enabling faster last-mile distribution and ensuring smooth, efficient cargo handling.
Andreas Behnke, Head of Cargo Switzerland, Italy & France and Station Manager of Swissport Basel, said, “Located at the heart of Europe, at the crossroads of three countries, EuroAirport is a key logistics hub for global imports into Europe and pharmaceutical exports from Switzerland. As an expert in air freight, we continuously adapt our logistics capacities to meet demand with excellence and efficiency, while maintaining the highest safety and security standards.”
Swissport is also well-equipped to handle the increasing demand for temperature-controlled cargo. At EuroAirport, 64% of its cargo activity involves the export of temperature-sensitive goods, primarily from Switzerland’s pharmaceutical industry. The IATA CEIV Pharma-certified Swissport Pharma centre in Basel demonstrates the company’s commitment to excellence in pharmaceutical logistics. With its dedicated “cool+connect” infrastructure, the centre ensures shipments are safeguarded in the +2 to +8 °C range end-to-end. This infrastructure also reduces truck movements, cuts handling times by up to 70%, and significantly lowers CO₂ emissions.
Swissport’s success in Basel is part of a broader global achievement. In 2024, the company handled a record-breaking five million tons of air cargo across its 117 air cargo centres worldwide. Strategic investments in infrastructure and technology have contributed significantly to this success. These investments include the refurbishment of a cargo warehouse in Johannesburg, South Africa, the opening of a third air cargo centre in Liège, Belgium, to meet rising e-commerce demand, and enhancements to the “Flower Corridor” facilities in Amsterdam and Liège.
