Emirates SkyCargo Launches Weekly Freighter Flights to Liege, Boosting Europe-Asia Trade
Emirates SkyCargo has added Liege, Belgium, to its global freighter network, marking its first new freighter destination of 2026 as the airline pursues further network expansion this year.
The cargo division of Emirates Airline will operate five scheduled freighter flights per week to Liege Airport, following several years of strong demand that had previously been met with ad hoc services.
The new route will increase Emirates SkyCargo’s cargo capacity by 500 tonnes per week, enhancing trade flows between Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America.
Strategically located within the Amsterdam–Paris–Frankfurt production corridor, Liege Airport has become one of the fastest-growing cargo hubs in the world, recording a 14% increase in cargo volumes in 2025.
Emirates SkyCargo has previously handled specialized shipments through Liege, including fresh-cut flowers, e-commerce consignments, and chartered movements of horses for international competitions.
Of the five weekly freighter services, three will operate between Liege, Chicago O’Hare International Airport, and Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai, supporting the secure transport of temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products.
The remaining two flights will originate in Hong Kong, carrying e-commerce shipments to and through Liege.
Khawla Abdulla, Vice President of Cargo Commercial for Europe at Emirates SkyCargo, said the addition of Liege was a strategic step to strengthen the airline’s European presence. “In 2025, we transported more than 15,000 tonnes of cargo from Belgium using a combination of freighter and passenger services.
With the introduction of five weekly freighters, we anticipate significant growth and improved connectivity for our customers across Belgium and neighbouring markets,” she said.
Liege Airport welcomed the development, calling it a major boost for its role in the European air cargo sector.
Torsten Wefers, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Liege Airport, said the partnership reinforced the airport’s position as one of Europe’s largest freighter hubs, with a focus on pharmaceuticals, perishables, live animals, and express cargo.
Europe remains one of Emirates SkyCargo’s busiest regions, currently served by 38 freighters and 538 weekly passenger flights.
The airline plans further growth, with passenger services to Helsinki scheduled to begin in October 2026 and up to 10 new Boeing 777 freighters expected to join its fleet by December 2026.
Scheduled freighter services to Liege are now available, with customers able to make bookings through local Emirates SkyCargo offices or via the airline’s official cargo platform.
