Daily Briefing – August 14, 2025
Welcome to today’s edition of Airfreight Insider, your go-to source for the latest trends and developments in air cargo and aviation. Here is a concise overview of the most important industry news shaping the market today.
Passenger Traffic Nears Pre-Pandemic Levels at Major European Airports
European hubs report strong passenger traffic this summer. Amsterdam Schiphol handled nearly 6.6 million passengers in July, marking its busiest month since August 2019 and a 4% increase year-on-year, signaling a near-complete recovery from the pandemic slump. Similarly, the Zurich Airport set a new single-month passenger record in July with over 3.2 million travelers. Meanwhile, Erfurt-Weimar Airport reported a remarkable 121% passenger increase during the summer holiday period, underscoring the growing demand at smaller regional airports.
Airlines and Cargo Operators Focus on Growth and Fleet Expansion
Widebody freighter demand shows a mixed picture as recent fleet expansion outpaces market growth, with predictions of a slowdown ahead. Notably, Emirates celebrated the delivery of its 300th Boeing 777 freighter, highlighting its commitment to air cargo capacity. Building on growth momentum, Nippon Cargo Airlines returns to Frankfurt after more than 15 years, launching twice-weekly Boeing 747-8 freighter services from Tokyo via Anchorage starting September 4. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi Airports recorded robust cargo tonnage in H1 2025, moving 344,795 tonnes and reinforcing its strategic position in global trade.
On the ground handling front, Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) secured a three-year contract extension with Air China Cargo at Liège Airport, strengthening its role in the e-commerce freight segment.
Airline Network Adjustments and Expansion Plans
Ryanair reports strong booking demand in Europe, slightly surpassing last year’s levels, and is planning further expansion into Sweden and other markets. On the flip side, Eurowings will discontinue its Düsseldorf–Ljubljana route two weeks earlier than originally scheduled due to reportedly low demand.
Italian regional carrier Aeroitalia has launched an interline and special prorate agreement with Qatar Airways, facilitating better connectivity for passengers across Italy and beyond.
Innovations and Infrastructure Developments
Lufthansa is putting historic aircraft on display as part of a new conference center in Frankfurt, showcasing its aviation heritage with meticulous installation of the Lockheed Super Star.
Fraport is stepping up security against illegal drone flights at Frankfurt Airport. With three drone operators already detained and investigations ongoing, the airport operator is also considering legal action to protect operational safety.
In passenger experience, Korean Air unveiled the first phase of its lounge renovations at Seoul-Incheon Airport, enhancing amenities with redesigned Miler Club and Prestige East Lounges. Meanwhile, Munich Airport and Lufthansa are testing autonomous wheelchairs to improve mobility services for passengers with reduced mobility.
Labor and Regulatory News
DHL’s freight hub in Leipzig reached a new collective wage agreement, accepted by 88% of union members, promising better pay for the workforce. Across the Atlantic, Air Canada is beginning a phased suspension of flights ahead of a threatened strike by over 10,000 flight attendants starting this weekend.
In the U.S., former President Donald Trump overturned a Biden-era executive order aimed at boosting competition and curbing excessive fees in the airline industry—a move that may impact consumers by potentially increasing airfares and ancillary charges.
In Brief
- Lufthansa and Munich Airport continue pioneering passenger services with trials of automated mobility aids.
- Historic aviation heritage gets center stage in Frankfurt with Lufthansa’s careful installation of the Super Star aircraft.
- Security efforts escalate at Frankfurt Airport in response to illegal drone operations.
That wraps up today’s briefing. Stay tuned for our daily video update on YouTube, where we dive deeper into these stories and more.
Your Airfreight Insider Team