Daily Briefing – July 8, 2025
Welcome to your daily update from airfreightinsider.com. Today’s briefing covers a mix of crucial developments in commercial aviation, air cargo sustainability, airline operations, and infrastructure upgrades shaping the airfreight and passenger landscape.
Operational & Network Updates
Lufthansa plans to resume flights to Tel Aviv as of August, following a de-escalation of risks in the ongoing Middle East conflict. This move signals renewed confidence in restoring routes suspended amid regional tensions.
Air Arabia will launch a new direct connection between Sharjah (UAE) and Munich starting December 15, 2025, operating daily Airbus A320neo flights. The route expansion fits into the airline’s growing footprint across Europe.
In Europe, SAS and Vietnam Airlines will launch a codeshare partnership from July 15 to strengthen connections between Scandinavia and Vietnam through major European hubs like London Heathrow and Paris Charles de Gaulle.
Tunisair’s
On a somber note, operations at Bergamo Airport (Italy) were temporarily halted following a fatal incident on the runway involving a person caught in an aircraft engine during takeoff – ongoing investigations are expected.
Infrastructure & Capacity
Eindhoven Airport is investing in its ground infrastructure with a significant expansion of Parking Lot P3. The new multi-level parking garage will add 1,125 spaces and incorporate extensive greening efforts, including planting 92 trees, responding to rising passenger volumes and sustainability goals.
Meanwhile, Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) nears commercial readiness, with the South runway recently inaugurated by the Indian Air Force. This highly anticipated greenfield airport is expected to become a key cargo hub, enhancing capacity and efficiency for India’s rapidly growing airfreight market.
At Cologne/Bonn Airport, the summer season projections indicate a record passenger throughput, with an estimated 1.76 million travelers expected over the next six weeks and a peak during the first week of August’s school holidays.
Sustainability & Green Aviation
Significant momentum continues around sustainable aviation fuels (SAF): Avia Solutions Group has partnered with DHL Express to accelerate SAF adoption within their international ACMI operations, leveraging DHL’s GoGreen Plus program to curb Scope 3 emissions. This collaboration reflects a broader industry trend pushing net-zero targets through close airline-customer partnerships.
German Aircraft is making waves with its D328 Eco, aiming to be one of the first commercial aircraft fully compatible with 100% sustainable aviation fuels. By opting for the more complex ‘non-drop-in’ SAF approach, they seek to future-proof the aircraft’s operation for cleaner flying.
ASL Airlines Australia is expanding its cargo fleet with a second Boeing 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF), enhancing capacity and sustainability in the Australasian region.
Safety & Security Concerns
Investigations continue to overshadow Air India Express following the tragic Boeing 787 crash in Ahmedabad. New reports suggest possible falsification of maintenance documents, prompting a formal inquiry by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This adds to the scrutiny on airline safety practices in South Asia.
Meanwhile, the Indian Directorate of Civil Aviation has submitted its initial report on the Air India Boeing Dreamliner accident, with further details awaited.
Qantas is grappling with a serious cybersecurity breach after personal data of six million customers was stolen. The incident escalated as hackers have now made direct contact with the airline, raising alarms for data protection in aviation.
Market & Pricing Trends
Ryanair reports robust summer demand despite extreme heatwaves affecting Europe, resulting in upward pressure on ticket prices. However, the airline’s CEO Michael O’Leary continues his outspoken criticism of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for perceived inaction on air traffic control strikes, publicly calling for her resignation.
Across Germany, flyers face generally higher prices, including budget carriers, as airlines tighten capacity and adjust fares to post-pandemic demand recovery.
Noteworthy Spotting & Miscellaneous
A rare visitor graced Hamburg Airport recently with Lufthansa’s Boeing 747-8 making a brief weather-related stopover—the iconic “Queen of the Skies” once a common sight in Hamburg during the 1990s.
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That wraps up today’s briefing. Stay tuned for our video update coming shortly, and thank you for trusting airfreightinsider.com as your go-to source for air cargo and aviation news.