Munich Airport reported volume growth in its freight operations during the first half of 2023, driven by the continued recovery of bellyhold capacity.

For January to June, the airport — one of the busiest in Europe — saw its air cargo volume record a 4.4% increase year-on-year over the same period in 2022, which it attributed to the reintroduction of more passenger flights in the hub.

"Freight business at the airport also benefited from the increasing air traffic in Munich, with the total freight volume growing by over 4% year on year to approximately 132,000 metric tons," Munich Airport said.

For the period, the airport also saw an upward trend in the number of aircraft movements, with more than 140.0000 registered in the first half of 2023.

Munich Airport said this represents a 9% year-on-year growth.

"Bavaria's premium hub now once again offers flights to 200 destinations in 60 countries around the world," it added.

Meanwhile, Munich Airport said its passenger numbers hit 16.6 million in the first six months of 2023, more than 28% higher than in the same period of the previous year.

"In the first half of 2023, Munich Airport's passenger volume, therefore, amounted to roughly three-quarters of the record figure from 2019," it added.