GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 16, 2026
Air Freight Terminal
An air freight terminal is the operational hub on airport premises where the handover between air and ground transport takes place.
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Source: https://www.iata.org/en/publications/trade-portal/glossary/air-freight-terminal/
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An air freight terminal is the operational hub on airport premises where the handover between air and ground transport takes place. Inbound shipments are offloaded from aircraft, sorted, processed through customs where required, and prepared for onward delivery or connecting flights; outbound cargo follows the reverse path – collection, documentation, build-up, and handover to the airline. Shippers, freight forwarders, ground handling agents, and customs authorities all converge at the terminal to coordinate every step from cargo receipt to release. Unlike an air freight station, a terminal is located within the airport perimeter and is directly integrated into airline handling operations.
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