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Air Cargo Terminal - Definition & Meaning | Logistics Glossary

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GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 16, 2026

Air Cargo Terminal

An air cargo terminal is the dedicated freight-handling facility at an airport where shipments are received, security-screened, customs-processed, stored, and prepared for aircraft loading.

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An air cargo terminal is the dedicated freight-handling facility at an airport where shipments are received, security-screened, customs-processed, stored, and prepared for aircraft loading.

It serves as the operational interface between road-based pre- and on-carriage and the air leg, bringing freight forwarders, ground handling agents, and airlines together under one roof.

Large terminals feature temperature-controlled areas, dangerous goods cells, express processing lanes, and electronic links to customs authorities.

Last updated: 16 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/Air_Cargo_Terminal

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Air Cargo Terminal

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Definition & Explanation

An air cargo terminal is the dedicated freight-handling facility at an airport where shipments are received, security-screened, customs-processed, stored, and prepared for aircraft loading. It serves as the operational interface between road-based pre- and on-carriage and the air leg, bringing freight forwarders, ground handling agents, and airlines together under one roof. Large terminals feature temperature-controlled areas, dangerous goods cells, express processing lanes, and electronic links to customs authorities. Terminal throughput capacity and cargo dwell time are key performance indicators that shippers consider when selecting an air freight routing. The air cargo terminal is a separate, dedicated facility and should not be confused with a passenger terminal.

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Recommended format: Source: Freight Academy – Air Cargo Terminal (https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/air-cargo-terminal), accessed 2026-09-29
APA style: Freight Academy Editorial Team. (2025). Air Cargo Terminal. Freight Academy. https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/air-cargo-terminal
BibTeX: @misc{aircargoterminal2025, title = {Air Cargo Terminal}, author = {{Freight Academy Editorial Team}}, year = {2025}, url = {https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/air-cargo-terminal}, note = {Freight Academy, accessed 2026-09-29} }

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