Airfreight Insider Daily Briefing – November 26, 2025
Welcome to today’s edition of the Airfreight Insider Daily Briefing. As the air cargo sector navigates a variety of operational, regulatory, and technological challenges, here is a concise overview of the key developments shaping the industry.
Drone Disruptions and Advancements: A Double-Edged Sword
This week, an illegal drone caused a half-hour airspace closure at Bremen Airport, forcing an operational halt and highlighting the growing threat drones pose to airport security. The federal police have arrested the operator and confiscated the device. This incident underscores the urgency felt by authorities and the industry to enhance counter-drone measures. As reported, German interior ministers are currently discussing how to expedite and clarify responsibilities around drone defense for critical infrastructure such as airports.
On the innovation front, autonomous drones equipped with LiDAR and AI are revolutionizing aircraft inspections. The French startup Donecle claims their technology accelerates inspection processes by a factor of ten while improving damage detection quality. These drones offer a glimpse into future MRO efficiencies, potentially reducing aircraft turnaround times significantly.
Regulatory Updates and Infrastructure Expansion
Europe’s aviation regulatory landscape continues to evolve. Notably, Switzerland has adopted new EU aviation rules, including updated standards for ground handling and flight operations as part of their bilateral agreement with the EU. This will streamline cross-border operations and enhance regulatory alignment.
Meanwhile, the UK government has given the green light to Heathrow Airport’s controversial third runway project. The plan involves relocating sections of the M25 motorway and demolishing 750 homes. This expansion aims to increase airport capacity to meet long-term demand but faces ongoing public debate regarding environmental and social impacts.
Fleet and Network Developments
In fleet news, Airbus is advancing the A350 Freighter certification under significantly stricter EASA guidelines than those applied to the passenger variants. Ground testing is well underway, and the first flight tests are expected soon, marking a critical step toward boosting long-haul cargo capacity with next-generation widebodies.
Looking at airline networks, Flynas will add a fourth weekly flight linking Riyadh to Moscow-Wnukowo in early January 2026, responding to rising demand on this emerging route. Similarly, Air Canada will commence a seasonal service between Brussels Airport and Halifax from June through September 2026, operating thrice weekly, enhancing transatlantic connectivity.
In leadership, Marabu Airlines, expanding rapidly and assimilating bases from Condor, has appointed Paul Fabian as its new CEO starting February 2026, signaling strategic ambitions within the leisure aviation segment.
Environmental Initiatives and Research
Sustainability remains firmly on the agenda. Lufthansa Cargo and Ceva Logistics have formalized their cooperation to increase the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with Ceva committing to fuel volumes that will offset emissions equivalent to 800 flights in 2025. This move demonstrates intensified industry commitments to reducing carbon footprints.
On the research front, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) is conducting detailed studies on contrail formation and climate impact. Their research aircraft is currently trailing Tuifly passenger flights to better understand how modern engines influence contrail persistence. Complementary to this, partnerships with Google and TUIfly are testing AI-driven, climate-optimized flight routes to mitigate contrail-related warming effects.
Additionally, Germany’s Ministry of Transport has granted €157 million to the DLR’s Power-to-Liquid (PtL) fuel research facility in Leuna. This funding secures innovation in synthetic, sustainable fuels until 2035, aiming to scale up alternative aviation energy sources.
Operational Challenges and Market Trends
Thanksgiving travel has brought its own set of challenges, including a significant catering strike blocking access to Los Angeles Airport (LAX), disrupting ground operations during peak traffic. This labor unrest adds pressure to maintaining smooth airport logistics during critical periods.
Regarding market dynamics, airfreight rates show a nuanced picture. According to TAC Index and Freightos FAX, the ‘mini-peak’ in global air cargo demand is easing in the US around Thanksgiving, with rates dipping slightly. However, Asia remains robust despite recent flooding events, supporting sustained demand across the region.
The German airports reported increased passenger volumes in October, though figures have yet to fully recover to pre-pandemic levels — indicative of steady but gradual recovery in air travel.
Political and Security Developments
Tensions in South America are impacting flight operations. Venezuela’s civil aviation authority, INAC, is increasing pressure on international airlines like Iberia, Air Europa, and Plus Ultra, threatening to revoke their traffic rights after several carriers suspended Caracas flights citing safety concerns. This move signals potential diplomatic and operational disruptions in the region.
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Summary
Today’s briefing captures an industry grappling with the tension between innovation and security, expansion and environmental responsibility. From drone interference and autonomous inspection drones to new routes and sustainability commitments, airfreight professionals must stay vigilant and agile amid fast-evolving scenarios.
Stay tuned for tomorrow’s video briefing, where we dive deeper into how AI and sustainable fuels are reshaping air cargo logistics.
— The Airfreight Insider Editorial Team