For one day last month, cargo flights were redirected to Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) following the disruption that saw the aviation sector grounded in Belgium on February 13. MST stepped in to help minimise the impact of a series of scheduled strikes across Belgium that included air traffic control operators, handlers and security personnel.
The Netherland’s second largest air cargo hub welcome the cargo flights already scheduled, with MST prepared to manage further flights as demand required. National strikes across Belgium caused major disruption to cargo flights, with no flights planned to take off from or land at Belgian airports, including Brussels and Liège.
“We are proud of our team’s effort to prepare for situations like this and move so quickly to make sure our airport is prepared to operate passenger and cargo flights at short notice,” said Joost Meijs, CEO, Maastricht Aachen Airport.
“Our resilience and strong operational performance, we know, are reasons that we adapt to conditions and make sure we provide smooth operations and experience for the cargo carriers and passenger flights we welcome – our excellent location and transport links mean that disruption should be minimal for both passengers and cargo shipments.”
Labour relations within the European airfreight industry have been notably strained in recent times, with several significant disruptions impacting operations. These disruptions have stemmed from various factors, including disputes over pay, working conditions and broader economic challenges.
Strikes leading to major freight delays
In 2024, various industrial actions across Europe had direct implications for air cargo operations. For instance, in April 2024, French air traffic controllers staged strikes, leading to the cancellation of thousands of flights and significant disruptions in air traffic across Europe. These strikes had a considerable impact on cargo flights, leading to delays and necessitating rerouting of shipments.
In October 2024, the global supply chain experienced significant disruptions due to widespread labour strikes across critical sectors, including aerospace, shipping, logistics and transport. These strikes resulted in major freight delays, increased costs and reduced capacity. The aerospace sector, in particular, faced challenges as strikes halted production lines, leading to delays in aircraft deliveries and maintenance schedules. The cumulative effect of these strikes strained the airfreight industry, causing delays in cargo shipments and increased operational costs.
The sector experienced significant labour disputes, primarily driven by wages not keeping pace with the rising cost of living. The transport sector, including air cargo, was notably affected. For instance, aviation industry employees, such as those at Brussels Airlines and Ryanair in Belgium, engaged in industrial action seeking better pay and working conditions.
At the same time, in 2024, forwarders expressed concerns over new security requirements implemented by the US and Canadian governments. These measures, introduced after incidents involving incendiary devices in European parcel networks, have posed challenges for European air cargo operators, leading to operational disruptions and increased scrutiny.
Brexit’s shadow
Post-Brexit regulations have introduced complexities for UK-based cargo airlines. For example, One Air, a British cargo airline, reported that Brexit-induced red tape forced it to send its Boeing 747s to the US for routine maintenance, incurring significant environmental and financial costs. This situation arose from post-Brexit regulations requiring British pilots and engineers to requalify in the EU at substantial expense, alongside the lack of mutual recognition of professional qualifications between the UK and the EU.
In July last year, several fires at European cargo hubs were linked to a covert Russian plot testing methods to plant bombs on US-bound cargo planes. Incidents occurred at DHL facilities in Germany, England and Poland, involving parcels containing incendiary devices. Investigations led to arrests in Lithuania and Poland, highlighting significant security concerns within the air cargo sector.
Two months later, potential labour strikes loomed over US East and Gulf Coast ports, posing a significant threat to the logistics sector. These potential strikes were anticipated to exacerbate existing pressures, especially as e-commerce growth consumed substantial airfreight capacity. The implications extended beyond the ports, influencing airfreight, inventory management and the entire global supply chain. The anticipation of such strikes prompted stakeholders to proactively prepare and explore alternative solutions to maintain a steady flow of goods.
Ongoing labour disputes in Europe continue to pose threats to global supply chains. Unresolved disputes have significant consequences for global trade, particularly as the year-end approaches. Businesses and supply chain managers are urged to stay vigilant and proactive in their planning to mitigate potential disruptions. Contingency plans included avoiding ports likely to be most affected by strikes, as well as exploring alternative routes and entry points to ensure the continuity of operations. This can be converted into airfreight shipments to avoid blockaded ports.
The European airfreight industry has faced a series of labour-related disruptions in recent times, stemming from a combination of economic pressures, regulatory changes, and industrial actions. A roundup of some recent industrial disputes in Europe include:
Belgium nationwide strikes (2024) – Workers across Belgium, including airport staff, went on strike over wage disputes and working conditions, disrupting cargo operations at major airports like Brussels and Liège.
Lufthansa Cargo strikes (Germany, 2023-2024) – Repeated strikes by ground staff and pilots over pay disputes caused widespread delays and cancellations in Germany, impacting airfreight movement.
French air traffic controller strikes (ongoing, multiple years) – Frequent strikes by air traffic controllers over pension reforms and working conditions have disrupted cargo flights across France, affecting transit hubs like Paris CDG.
UK Border Force strikes (2022-2023) – Strikes by border staff and baggage handlers at major UK airports like Heathrow and Gatwick caused logistical bottlenecks, delaying cargo processing and customs clearance.
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport labour shortages (2022-2023) – Staff shortages due to post-pandemic labour disputes led to major delays in cargo handling and logistics at one of Europe’s busiest airports.
These events have underscored the importance of proactive labour relations management and the need for robust contingency planning within the industry. As the landscape continues to evolve, stakeholders must remain vigilant and adaptable to navigate the challenges posed by labour disputes and ensure the resilience of air cargo operations.
