Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST), in the Netherlands, has reported it processes flower cargo up to twice the speed of airports across the EU.
Blooming flower business
Data collected in 2025 shows that flowers entering Europe via MST reach their final destination 30 minutes sooner on average, compared to other European airports that take up to 3.5 to 6.5 hours more in handling flower cargo.
Owing to this feat is perhaps due to Maastricht Aachen Airport’s investment in advanced monitoring technology, which began in 2025, and improved the quality and lifespan of sensitive cargo passing through the Dutch cargo hub.
Based on approximately 5,000 temperature measurements, the data confirms that MST is among Europe’s most efficient airports for handling perishable and sensitive goods.
Dean Boljuncic, head of Commercial Development at Maastricht Aachen Airport, said:
“Handling time is a decisive factor in the quality and shelf life of flowers. Every minute flowers are exposed to higher temperatures shortens their lifespan. This data shows that MST consistently needs less time to process delicate cargo, thereby reducing value loss across the supply chain.”
Time is money when handling flowers
Even during peak periods, the Netherlands’ second-largest cargo airport achieves stable, short handling times of 2 to 4 hours. In comparison, the longest handling times at other European cargo airports range from 7 to 10 hours during popular flower seasons.
Due to its rapid handling and a strategic location with direct motorway access, 80% of MST’s flower shipments reach the Aalsmeer auction, the Netherlands’ largest flower market, before closing on the same day.
This leads to a shorter logistics chain, reducing waste and improving product quality for the end consumer.
Boljuncic added:
“These results show that we are not only fast, but above all remarkably consistent. For perishables such as flowers, time is literally money. With these insights into the entire chain, we can reduce waste, increase quality, and offer our customers a reliable transport network.”
The Dutch airport’s capacity and minimal wait times make it an attractive alternative to major cargo hubs and is proving itself to be one of Europe’s most reliable gateways.
Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) is the second-largest cargo hub in the Netherlands. The airport was founded in 1945, in the province of Limburg, is a key import station for flowers and the handling of dangerous goods.
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