Airfreight Insider Daily Briefing – October 19, 2025
Good morning, logistics professionals! Today, we bring you the latest developments shaping the air cargo and aviation sectors — from fleet expansions and operational disruptions to regulatory challenges and market forecasts. Let’s dive into the key stories making headlines.
Major Fire Disrupts Operations at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal Airport
A large fire erupted around midday on Saturday in the cargo village of Dhaka’s main international gateway, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The blaze destroyed several warehouses, forcing a full suspension of cargo and passenger operations. As a result, numerous flights were either canceled or diverted, severely impacting air-cargo flows in Bangladesh.
Business owners warn of multi-million dollar losses due to the halt in trade and logistics activity, with recovery timelines still uncertain. The incident underscores ongoing vulnerabilities in airport infrastructure critical to regional supply chains.
Reports from The Loadstar and Stattimes confirm the extent of the operational chaos with no reopening date yet announced.
Fleet Expansion and Network Growth Among Airlines
Gol Linhas Aéreas, the Brazilian carrier, has taken delivery of its ninth freighter, a Boeing 737-800 BCF marked PS-GFI, to further strengthen its growing cargo network across the region. This addition makes their logistics division a serious competitor in South America’s airfreight market.
Meanwhile, Air Serbia is leasing multiple Airbus A220-300s from airBaltic for the upcoming winter and summer seasons. With a capacity of 148 seats, these aircraft will bolster its passenger operations and support network expansion in the Balkans.
In the European leisure market, Iberojet is enhancing its winter long-haul capacity by deploying Airbus A330-900neos sourced through partnerships with Air Europa and Neos. Starting mid-December, the widebodies will serve popular vacation routes from Rome-Fiumicino, catering to increased demand in Mediterranean and transatlantic markets.
Also notable, Astral Aviation, Kenya’s prominent freighter airline, is transitioning towards a scheduled cargo operation model and is evaluating the introduction of Boeing 777 freighters to upgrade capacity and network reliability across Africa and beyond.
Industry Challenges: Pilot Strikes, Regulatory Scrutiny, and Flight Reductions
Pilot union VC intensifies pressure on Germany’s Luftfahrtbundesamt (LBA) demanding transparency on medical certification delays, highlighting increasing tensions in crew management and regulatory processes. This comes alongside unsettling warnings from U.S. air traffic controllers working without pay due to budget standoffs, raising safety concerns within the industry.
Belgian airports are facing operational shutdowns amid a general strike by aviation workers, further exacerbating Europe’s labor disruption issues during a critical traffic season.
In Germany, Lufthansa Group CEO Carsten Spohr cautioned about a potential cut of 100 domestic flights per week, attributing the threat to mounting operational costs and “location burdens.” Such reductions could impact connectivity and market competitiveness as airlines face ongoing economic headwinds.
Positive Market Outlook: Eurocontrol Predicts Traffic Recovery in 2026
Looking ahead, Eurocontrol projects that European air traffic will finally return to pre-crisis levels in 2026. With 11 million flights expected this year — a 3.6% increase year-over-year — the momentum continues despite challenges. The close-to-100% recovery signals resilience in passenger and cargo demand, reaffirming Europe’s critical role in global air logistics.
Incident Reports: Battery Fire Forces Emergency Landing
In separate safety news, an Air China Airbus A321 bound for Seoul had to divert to Shanghai after a battery in a passenger’s hand luggage caught fire mid-flight. This incident highlights the heightened risks associated with lithium batteries in the cabin, underscoring the need for strict enforcement of hazardous material regulations across airlines and airports worldwide.
Industry Insights and Extras
- For a lighter break, test your aviation knowledge with the latest fact-checking quiz on common industry misconceptions – a fun way to stay sharp.
- In personnel news, various positions including dispatcher, security department head, and dock chiefs are currently open, providing career growth opportunities amid a dynamic job market.
Historic Aviation Highlight
On a historical note, aviation enthusiasts will appreciate the story of Randall Haskin, one of the few remaining pilots qualified to fly the legendary Boeing B-29 Superfortress — a “symphony orchestra in the air.” With only two airworthy B-29s left globally, this piece offers a nostalgic glimpse into the golden era of heavy bombers.
That wraps up today’s briefing. For deeper info on any of these stories and more, visit our website and tune into today’s YouTube video for expert analysis and commentary. Stay safe and efficient in your operations!
Your editorial team at airfreightinsider.com