Hamburg Airport is marking the 10th anniversary of the Hamburg Airport Cargo Centre (HACC), a facility that has become a core part of the region’s air‑freight infrastructure since opening on 30 May 2016. Built at a cost of more than EUR 50 million, the centre replaced the airport’s 1960s‑era cargo terminal and created a modern, scalable platform for efficient handling operations. The 60,000 square metre site includes 44 loading ramps, 36 truck parking spaces, three office buildings and a 20,000‑square‑metre freight hall that remains the hub of activity.
Alexander Müller, Head of Office and Logistics at Hamburg Airport, said the anniversary reflects the strength of the cargo community that has grown around the facility. “Over the past 10 years, the Hamburg Airport Cargo Centre has grown into a strong community of around 40 tenants and 450 employees. Together, we ensure that a wide range of goods find their way around the globe quickly, safely and reliably. This anniversary is therefore also an opportunity to thank all partners and employees who have been filling the Cargo Centre with life since 2016.”
HACC specialises in time‑critical shipments, handling everything from aviation and maritime spare parts to e‑commerce goods, medical technology, chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Among the more unusual consignments in recent years was a gold‑plated aircraft staircase used by the King of Saudi Arabia during the G20 summit in Hamburg – a reminder of the diversity of freight processed at the site.
Cargo volumes have fluctuated over the decade, reflecting wider market conditions. The centre handled around 70,000 tonnes in 2019 before volumes fell sharply during the pandemic, when Hamburg became a key hub for medical supplies such as masks and test kits. Activity recovered to 65,400 tonnes in 2024 and 68,400 tonnes in 2025, approaching pre‑pandemic levels. Major airline partners supporting this growth in 2025 included Emirates, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Air France and KLM.
Since 2016, HACC has continued to evolve through new technology, process optimisation and ongoing digitalisation. Hamburg Airport is working closely with cargo partners to streamline operations, manage capacity more effectively and reduce bottlenecks. Digital tools such as the FAIR@Link Cargo Community System are improving data exchange, traffic flows and delivery coordination, helping shorten waiting times and optimise resource use.
Ten years after its opening, the HACC stands as a stable, efficient and forward‑looking component of Hamburg’s cargo ecosystem, with continued investment aimed at strengthening its role in the region’s logistics network.
