Belgium's Liege Airport saw a 29 per cent year-on-year rise in cargo tonnage in August, continuing its strong summer performance and reinforcing its role as a leading European freighter hub, reports London's Air Cargo News.

The airport handled 111,491 tonnes in August and 109,370 tonnes in July, despite these months typically being slower for air cargo. Total cargo throughput for January to August reached 847,551 tonnes, up 13 per cent on the same period last year.

Aircraft movements also rose, with 2,464 in July and 2,354 in August, both up nine per cent year on year. The eight-month total stood at 18,710, marking an eight per cent increase.

Liege ranks as Europe's fifth-largest cargo airport and is the only one focused exclusively on freighter operations. It handles a wide range of goods including perishables, pharmaceuticals, express parcels and live animals.

The airport said the summer results confirm its position as a key cargo hub in Europe. It also highlighted the opening of Swissport's dedicated perishables centre, the first of its kind at Liege.

In June, the airport announced plans to invest EUR500 million (US$585 million) in its CargoLand logistics facility, with completion targeted for 2040.