The main cargo airports in Latin America 

Are you looking to expand your logistics operations in Latin America? 

As you know, Latin America is constantly growing and developing, and its cargo airports are no exception. 

These logistics centers have become key elements for international trade, offering a wide range of services and air connections that can help you reach destinations all over the world. 

What is a cargo airport and what is it used for 

The infrastructure is designed to facilitate transport and more efficient handling of goods and air cargo. 

Unlike passenger airports, which focus on the transport of people, cargo airports are exclusively dedicated to the movement of goods and products. 

As a result, their main function is to manage the quick and safe flow of different goods, from manufactured products to perishable goods. 

They are also involved in sending and receiving goods, temporarily storing products prior to their distribution, carrying out operations related to inspection, and issuing the necessary documents for international trade. 

This is especially the case when speed is key, as air cargo allows for quick deliveries, reducing transit time and guaranteeing the freshness of delicate products. 

This is why they have a series of installations and specialist services such as equipment and advanced technology, cranes, automated goods handling systems,  security scanners, terminals, warehouses, refrigerated zones or zones with temperature control, as well as customs inspection and security. 

In Latin America, these airports are not only regional connection points but also act as crucial links to international trade routes. 

The main cargo airports in Latin America 

We know that transporting goods is vital for the region’s trade and economy. 

From Mexico to Panama, we will list the airports that stand out for their infrastructure, capacity and efficiency in the handling of freight: 

• International Airport of the City of Mexico. Known officially as Benito Juárez International Airport, it stands out as the largest airport in the country and the leader in the movement of cargo in Latin America. 

The numbers speak for themselves. In January 2022, the air terminal managed a total of 41,650 tons. Over the course of 2023, this number rose to 47,206.8 tons, reflecting an important increase of 5,556.8 tons. 

In this case, its units play a fundamental role as they receive a wide range of products for import as well as export, from agricultural and perishable goods to electronic parts and specialized manufactured goods. 

It is important to mention that this airport also acts as a center of operations and connections (HUB) for the Mexican airline Aeroméxico, further strengthening its strategic position in the airport and logistics scenario in the region. 

• International Airport of Guarulhos. Located in São Paulo, the most important city and the industrial and economic epicenter of Brazil. 

It plays a key role in the flow of goods in the region, as it handles products from a variety of sectors, including electronics, energy, pharmaceuticals, and even textiles, food and auto parts. 

The strategic location of this airport provides access to the main roads connecting the entire country, ensuring optimum efficiency and agility in the transport of goods. 

LATAM Airlines has consequently designated this airport as a point of strategic operations and connections, further consolidating its importance in the logistics and transport network in the region. 

• International Airport of El Dorado. It is located in Colombia’s capital city, Bogotá, and stands out as the third most important airport in Latin America in terms of freight volume. 

Colombia has consolidated its position as a world leader in the export of a wide range of products, including products deriving from agriculture, foodstuffs  and chemical products, according to data provided by the National Tax and Customs Department (DIAN). 

The airport has even been consolidated as the center of strategic operations (HUB) for international airline, Avianca. 

• International Airport Jorge Chávez. It is located in the region of Callao and a little closer to the metropolitan area of Lima (Peru). It likewise stands out as the neuralgic center of operations and connections for LATAM Airlines. 

This airport manages intense movement of textile products, gems and precious stones, asparagus and a variety of fruits. 

• Airport of Cancun. The International Airport of Cancun (CUN), located in the Mexican Caribbean, is a major hub in cargo handling in Latin America. 

With leading-edge facilities and advanced systems for the processing of goods, the airport handles a diversity of products, including consumer goods, textiles, electronic parts and pharmaceutical products. Its strategic location makes it crucial for trade routes between North America, Latin America and Europe and it has undergone constant growth in its volume of cargo. 

Conclusion 

In Latin America, cargo airports are located at key points, making them ideal gateways for the transport of goods. 

So do not let this opportunity to capitalize on the connectivity and agility of these facilities pass, and contact us. 

At KENSA Logistics, we are leaders in the cargo logistics sector in the region and are ready to help you at each step in the process, from planning to the final delivery.