Airfreight Insider Daily Briefing – September 15, 2025
Good morning, airfreight professionals! Today’s briefing brings key updates from global aviation hubs, new cargo connections, fleet developments, and industry-wide challenges shaping our sector this week.
Market Growth and Shifts: Europe Gaining, India Losing Ground
Following the Air Cargo Event (ACE) in Liege, industry leaders confirm that air freight demand continues to grow, mirroring some trends seen in ocean freight. Notably, Chinese air cargo exports are rapidly shifting away from the US market towards Europe, driven by new US import tariffs on low-value e-commerce shipments (under $800). This realignment is fueling new air cargo corridors between Asia and Europe, as highlighted by Euroavia Airlines’ launch of a weekly Haikou–Cyprus–Rome freighter route using a Boeing 767.
Meanwhile, Indian exporters are facing serious headwinds in airfreight to the US. The introduction of 50% tariffs since late August has led to a sharp market contraction, reversing months of prior growth. Industry voices call urgently for more trade agreements to help restore competitive flows out of India, as reported by key logistics stakeholders.
Fleet and Network Updates: KLM, Indigo, and Boeing in Focus
KLM is strengthening its long-haul presence with the delivery of its penultimate Boeing 787 Dreamliner, registering PH-BKR and named ‘Roos / Rose’. The carrier is also expanding winter services with a 6% increase in seat capacity, adding new snow destinations in Scandinavia alongside Mediterranean routes like Ibiza – an unusual winter offering.
Indigo Airlines prepares to inaugurate direct flights from India to Athens early next year, utilizing the brand-new Airbus A321XLR to open this long-range city pair, marking a strategic expansion into the European market.
On the manufacturing front, Boeing faces growing concerns as certification of its 777-9 model continues to be delayed. FAA has yet to approve the next phase, the Type Inspection Authorization, putting pressure on Boeing leadership about further timeline setbacks. Adding to Boeing’s challenges, the FAA recently slapped a $3.1 million fine on the manufacturer for hundreds of quality violations uncovered in the 737 Max production line between September 2023 and February 2024.
Operational & Labor Movements: Frankfurt, Berlin, Basel, and Schiphol
Germany’s busiest airport, Frankfurt, is gearing up for the opening of the new Terminal 3 in spring 2026. To test readiness, the airport seeks 8,000 external volunteers for a large-scale trial running from January to April next year. Meanwhile, Berlin Brandenburg Airport has appointed István Szabó, formerly COO at Budapest Airport, as its new Managing Director for Operations, signaling strong leadership renewal.
Basel Euro Airport broke records this summer with over 2.4 million passengers handled during the holiday period — a 9% increase year-on-year, marking its busiest summer ever.
Back at Schiphol, KLM faces renewed disruption as ground staff unions CNV and FNV have called a strike impacting dozens of flights this Wednesday between 08:00 and 12:00 CET, with ripple effects expected throughout the day.
Routes and Network Changes Among Major Airlines
Delta Airlines has announced the end of its 34-year-old New York – Brussels flight route as of January 2026. This service will be replaced by a new Atlanta – Brussels connection, aligning with Delta’s strategic hub optimization.
British Airways has rescinded a controversial ban on public coffee drinking by cabin crews, reversing the policy after widespread backlash from staff and unions.
Industry Trends & Incidents
Geopolitical tensions continue to cause turbulence in the skies—literally. Ongoing conflicts, such as Russia-Ukraine and unrest in parts of the Middle East, are forcing pilots to take less optimal routes, leading to increased turbulence experienced by passengers.
On a more unsettling note, an in-flight brawl broke out between Israeli passengers on a flight from Tel Aviv to Bucharest, allegedly sparked by religious motives. Authorities imposed fines following the incident.
Special Mentions
- Switzerland’s Swissmint launched a new series of silver coins celebrating national aviation pioneers, starting with a 20-franc piece honoring the country’s early hot air balloon history.
- Thought-provoking industry commentary explores the future impact of Ita Airways’ integration on Lufthansa’s German hubs, underscoring the complexities behind the headlines.
Stay tuned for today’s YouTube briefing for detailed insights and expert analysis.
— Your Airfreight Insider Editorial Team