Last month, Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) temporarily handled cargo flights redirected from Belgium due to nationwide strikes that disrupted aviation operations on February 13. The strikes affected air traffic controllers, handlers, and security personnel, grounding flights across Belgian airports, including Brussels and Liège.
As the Netherlands’ second-largest air cargo hub, MST swiftly accommodated scheduled cargo flights and was prepared to manage additional demand. “We are proud of our team’s ability to respond quickly, ensuring seamless operations for both cargo carriers and passenger flights,” said Joost Meijs, CEO of Maastricht Aachen Airport. He highlighted the airport’s strong operational resilience and strategic location, which helped minimize disruption.
Widespread Strikes and Freight Delays
Labour disputes have increasingly disrupted the European airfreight industry, with strikes impacting pay, working conditions, and economic pressures.
April 2024: French air traffic controller strikes resulted in thousands of flight cancellations, severely affecting cargo operations.
October 2024: Widespread strikes across aerospace, shipping, and transport sectors caused significant freight delays, cost surges, and reduced capacity. Aviation industry workers, including Brussels Airlines and Ryanair staff, also went on strike over wages and working conditions.
Adding to operational challenges, new security requirements imposed by the US and Canada in response to incidents involving incendiary devices in European parcel networks have led to increased scrutiny and disruptions for European air cargo operators.
Brexit’s Regulatory Burden
Post-Brexit regulations have complicated UK cargo airline operations. One Air, a British cargo airline, cited Brexit-induced bureaucracy as a key factor in outsourcing routine Boeing 747 maintenance to the US, incurring high financial and environmental costs. British pilots and engineers now face expensive requalification requirements in the EU due to the lack of mutual recognition of professional certifications.
Security Threats and Further Labour Disruptions
Security concerns have also plagued the sector. In July 2024, fires at European cargo hubs were linked to a covert Russian plot testing bomb placement on US-bound cargo planes. Incidents at DHL facilities in Germany, England, and Poland led to arrests in Lithuania and Poland, exposing vulnerabilities in air cargo security.
Meanwhile, looming labour strikes at US East and Gulf Coast ports threatened supply chains, exacerbating congestion and impacting airfreight capacity. Businesses were urged to prepare contingency plans, such as shifting cargo to airfreight to bypass potential port blockades.
Major Recent Labour Disputes in European Air Cargo
Belgium Nationwide Strikes (2024): Airport workers staged protests over wages and conditions, halting cargo operations at major hubs.
Lufthansa Cargo Strikes (Germany, 2023-2024): Repeated strikes by ground staff and pilots disrupted airfreight movement.
French Air Traffic Controller Strikes (Ongoing): Recurring strikes over pension reforms caused widespread flight disruptions.
UK Border Force Strikes (2022-2023): Industrial action at Heathrow and Gatwick delayed cargo processing and customs clearance.
Amsterdam Schiphol Labour Shortages (2022-2023): Post-pandemic staffing issues led to cargo handling delays at one of Europe’s busiest airports.
Navigating the Future
With labour tensions persisting, supply chain managers must remain proactive in planning for disruptions. Avoiding high-risk ports, exploring alternative routes, and leveraging airfreight solutions are key strategies to ensure continuity in global trade. As regulatory and economic pressures evolve, resilience and adaptability will be critical in maintaining stability within the air cargo industry.