This paper examines the role and operational challenges of cargo terminals at major airports in Europe, with a particular focus on Sarajevo Airport. Cargo terminals are crucial hubs for international freight transport, facilitating the smooth movement of goods across global markets. The study explores the core functions of cargo operations, including handling, storage, sorting, and customs procedures, while highlighting the unique challenges faced by European airports in managing high freight volumes, ensuring security, and complying with regulatory standards. While large airports such as Frankfurt, Amsterdam Schiphol, London Heathrow, and Paris Charles de Gaulle set benchmarks for operational efficiency and technological innovation, Sarajevo Airport serves as an important regional transport center for Bosnia and Herzegovina and its neighboring markets. As such, it faces different challenges, including seasonal fluctuations, limited infrastructure capacity, and the need for modernization and technological upgrades to enhance its integration with global logistics networks. The paper also offers recommendations for improving cargo terminal operations, including the adoption of automation, advanced tracking technologies, and sustainable practices aimed at reducing environmental impact. Through this analysis, the paper highlights the potential for Sarajevo Airport to improve its competitive position in the regional logistics market by embracing innovative solutions and optimizing its infrastructure.