Ted Stevens International Airport Ranks 1st in U.S. for Cargo, Nears Top Worldwide

Anchorage's airport moves up the ranks as a critical cargo hub connecting Asia, North America, and beyond.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:52am

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A bold, geometric illustration in the Art Deco style, depicting the towering, streamlined architecture of an international airport terminal against a backdrop of sweeping gradients, capturing the grand scale and efficiency of a major cargo hub.Anchorage's Ted Stevens International Airport emerges as a critical global cargo hub, leveraging its strategic location and operational efficiency to connect Asia, North America, and beyond.Anchorage Today

Ted Stevens International Airport (ANC) in Anchorage, Alaska has now ranked first in the United States for air cargo, and third in the world, according to the Airports Council International (ACI) World. The airport's strategic location and operational efficiency have made it a leading cargo hub, with the ability to reach nearly 90% of the industrialized world within a single 9.5-hour flight.

Why it matters

As e-commerce and global trade continue to grow, the rise of ANC as a top cargo airport highlights Alaska's importance as a critical logistics and transportation hub connecting Asia, North America, and beyond. This ranking solidifies Anchorage's position as a key player in international commerce and supply chains.

The details

In 2025, ANC handled the most air cargo in the United States, surpassing other major hubs. The airport's cargo metrics include both freight and mail loaded and unloaded, as well as transit freight. ANC's strategic location on the great circle route, operational efficiency, and unique role as a connecting point have driven its rise in the global rankings, which saw it move from 4th to 3rd worldwide between 2024 and 2025.

  • In 2023 and 2024, ACI World ranked ANC second in the country and fourth in the world.
  • In 2025, ANC ranked first in the U.S. and third worldwide for air cargo.

The players

Ted Stevens International Airport (ANC)

Anchorage's international airport, which has now ranked first in the United States and third worldwide for air cargo handling.

Airports Council International (ACI) World

The global trade representative of the world's airport authorities, which publishes annual rankings of the top cargo airports.

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The takeaway

The rise of Ted Stevens International Airport as a top global cargo hub underscores Alaska's strategic importance in international supply chains and commerce. As e-commerce and trade continue to grow, Anchorage's position as a critical logistics and transportation link between Asia, North America, and beyond will only become more vital.