Shanghai Pudong International Airport. [Photo/VCG]

Shanghai Customs reported that the city handled about 2.04 million metric tons of import and export air cargo in the first half of 2026, marking a record high and a 15.76 percent increase year-on-year.

The growth was supported by expanded air cargo capacity and customs facilitation measures. During the first half, Shanghai Pudong International Airport added seven all-cargo intercontinental routes and increased the frequency of three others. All-cargo flight movements rose 20 percent year-on-year, and the number of overseas destinations climbed to 66.

In June, the airport's Zhihui Port smart cargo terminal began operations. Customs integrated its supervision system with the terminal's warehouse system to track cargo in real time and improve clearance efficiency.

In one recent case, a 50-ton shipment of high-end specialized equipment was unloaded at Pudong Airport. With the help of a smart apron cargo-handling service, the shipment was quickly transferred to a special vehicle and cleared from the airport, reducing transit time and potential damage.

In addition, Shanghai Pudong International Airport Customs launched an online application service for apron cargo handling, processing 75 applications in the first half of 2026. The convenient service has helped boost cargo throughput at Pudong Airport.