Coming off of a record year in 2021, in which DFW cargo surpassed the 1-million-ton mark in total cargo throughput, DFW saw a softening in air cargo in 2022. This was based on numerous factors including prolonged shutdowns in the Chinese manufacturing sector, restricted air traffic rights between the U.S. and China, aircraft and pilot shortages, manufacturing and supply chain disruptions, inflation and recessionary pressures, and the war in Ukraine (See graph to the right).
Total cargo throughput for the DFW Airport fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2022, was 942,521 US tons. This represents a 4.4% decrease vs. FY2021 and down 3.1% vs. 2019. From March 2022, worldwide air cargo has shown negative YoY growth, with July 2022 declining to -11% YoY. According to industry data, worldwide air cargo volumes have been declining in 4Q2022 with no indication of a turnaround as we conclude the peak holiday season. Moving into 2023, the expectation is that cargo volumes will remain flat with a potential for a modest increase. Nonetheless, DFW is continuing to invest in the airport’s cargo ecosystem, with the redevelopment of the 19th Street cargo facilities, recertification of the IATA CEIV Pharma community, the opening of the first airside CES, expansion of DFW Cloud capabilities, and continued efforts to increase volumes from within the catchment area and air cargo service to and from strategic markets.
