Amid shifting global trade patterns, geopolitical volatility, and an urgent push toward decarbonisation, European cargo hubs face an increasingly complex operating landscape. Munich Airport is meeting this moment with decisive investments in cutting-edge automation, AI-driven ramp logistics, and sustainable infrastructure. Anchored in one of Europe’s strongest industrial heartlands and bolstered by burgeoning trade lanes, most notably with India, the hub is sharpening its competitive edge. In an exclusive conversation with Logistics Insider, Markus Heinelt, Director of Cargo Development at Munich Airport, discusses market resilience, driverless freight trials, and the strategic vision powering Southern Germany’s premier gateway.
Air cargo has demonstrated remarkable resilience despite persistent geopolitical disruptions, from the Red Sea crisis and conflicts in the Middle East to shifting trade policies and supply chain realignments. From your perspective, how are these developments reshaping global air cargo flows and routing decisions, and which of these shifts is Munich Airport feeling most directly?
Yes, experience has shown that the logistics industry adapts rapidly to changing conditions and new challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic was the best example of this. Due to the loss of belly capacity on long-haul passenger routes, freighter traffic experienced an unprecedented boom. The situation in the Gulf is, of course, not comparable but shows similar adaptations. However, we see that capacity – at least as far as Munich Airport is concerned – has now almost returned to normal levels.
In January and February 2026, Munich Airport achieved a growth of 11.7% (ADV/average of all German airports: +3.7%). However, due to the conflict in the Gulf region, which began on 28FEB26, this growth momentum could not be sustained, although our first quarter still closed with a 5.2% increase in tonnage (ADV/average of all German airports: +2.4%). Looking at the results in June, we have already returned to a cargo growth rate of 6.1%.
Digitalisation and artificial intelligence are rapidly transforming logistics, from predictive demand forecasting to automated cargo handling and end-to-end shipment visibility. Which of these technologies is Munich Airport actively deploying today, and where have you seen the clearest gains in efficiency or reliability so far?
For example, currently we are testing autonomous cargo transports together with partners. Tasks such as moving cargo, passing it through security checks, and stopping at stations take up time and tie up staff during handling operations every day. With this pilot programme for autonomous cargo transport, Munich Airport is exploring how driverless technology can support these processes in the future. The focus is on the so-called Tract Easy, and there is a clear vision: In the future, cargo should be able to travel autonomously through security-sensitive areas all the way to the apron. The current trial is examining how the autonomous cargo transports can be meaningfully integrated into existing operational processes. It transports cargo from the cargo area to the security area without a driver, passes through security checks independently, and performs additional tasks such as automatically coupling and uncoupling dollies and trailers. It operates exclusively on service roads. The added value for handling operations is enormous. In the future, no human will need to undergo security screening to transport cargo. This could shorten travel times, simplify processes, and free up capacity for tasks that require human experience and flexibility.
This pilot project is part of a broader initiative: Since early 2026, Munich Airport has been a member of the FTE “Smart Ramp” research and development (R&D) initiative alongside Lufthansa, in which airports, airlines, and industry partners worldwide are collaborating on digital and automated apron processes. Autonomous cargo transport is a concrete use case within this initiative – and an important step toward sustainable cargo handling. Developments in the field of automation are gaining momentum and, as described in our test operation, offer many advantages. We are really excited about the future potential here.
In addition, Munich Airport is replacing legacy systems with a new IT backbone and implementing Apron-AI. Apron-AI provides timestamps for critical turnarounds and helps address bottlenecks with pinpoint accuracy. The system identifies recurring delays, suggests prioritisation strategies, and supports real-time decisions on resource reallocation. Real-time data enables a shared situational awareness among authorities, airlines, and ground handlers.
Sustainability is becoming a defining priority for the aviation industry, yet air cargo customers continue to demand speed, reliability, and cost efficiency. How do you balance these expectations, and what role do initiatives such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), energy-efficient cargo infrastructure, and ground handling and process optimisation play in Munich Airport’s long-term sustainability roadmap?
One does not rule out the other. Sustainability is an integral part of our strategy. We are electrifying our ground and apron fleet, building charging infrastructure, and optimising energy efficiency in cargo terminals and for apron lighting. In addition, we are promoting the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), exploring “green corridors” with airlines and freight forwarders, and working on certifications that allow shippers to report their carbon footprint on specific routes. Growth and climate protection can go hand in hand if infrastructure and business models evolve alongside them.
This is an an abridged version of the interview published in the September edition of the magazine. To read the complete interaction, click here.
