air-cargo

EU Customs Duty Triggers Sharp Drop in European Freighter Capacity

Freighter capacity flowing into Europe has contracted significantly following the European Union's introduction of a €3 customs duty on low-value parcels from outside the bloc, effective July 1. According to capacity data from Aevean, daily average freighter capacity from Asia Pacific and Middle East & South Asia declined 14% in July compared to June—equivalent to 18 fewer widebody flights daily. Major e-commerce hubs absorbed the steepest cuts: Budapest saw capacity fall 46%, Madrid dropped 33%, and Milan declined 24%. Liège experienced a 16% reduction, while Frankfurt and Schiphol reported 11-12% decreases. Paris-Charles de Gaulle proved the exception, adding 9% capacity. Air cargo tonnages from Hong Kong to Europe fell more than 20% by mid-July versus year-ago levels. A separate €2 handling fee takes effect November 1, ahead of the EU Customs Data Hub launch in 2028.