Daily Briefing – December 5, 2025
Welcome to today’s edition of the Airfreight Insider Daily Briefing, your go-to source for the latest trends and developments shaping the global logistics and aviation industries. Here is a curated overview of the most relevant news from around the sector.
Airline Network Cuts and Fleet Adjustments
EasyJet is trimming its presence in Salerno by discontinuing routes to Berlin and Geneva as of summer 2026, leaving only the Milan-Malpensa connection operational. This move aligns with a broader trend of network optimization among low-cost carriers.
Meanwhile, Spirit Airlines is further shrinking its fleet, having formally requested rejection of leasing contracts for 11 Airbus A320 and A320 Neo aircraft. This fleet downsizing comes as part of the U.S. carrier’s restructuring efforts during its ongoing bankruptcy proceedings.
In India, Indigo faces a near-collapse of flight operations in Delhi and Chennai due to new cockpit crew working hour regulations. The airline has been forced to cancel approximately 1,000 flights, sparking urgent appeals for regulatory assistance to alleviate the operational crisis.
Regulatory and Legal Fronts: Passenger Rights and Disputes
The Passenger Rights Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004 remains under negotiation at the EU level, with potential major revisions on the horizon. Legal experts, including attorney Nina Naske, argue for enhanced contract freedom amid the ongoing discussions on passenger compensation and rights.
In Germany, the Verbraucherzentrale (Consumer Protection Agency) has filed a lawsuit against Eurowings over restrictive hand luggage policies in its Basic fare, a move sharply contested by the airline. Separately, Flightright has suffered a legal setback at the Hamburg Higher Regional Court, which barred the claims management company from suggesting Ryanair customers experience poor customer service and mandated greater transparency regarding legal fee surcharges in their advertising.
Security, AI, and Technology Impact
With the rising adoption of AI in logistics, companies face new legal challenges. A recent U.S. federal court ruling in a copyright dispute mandates OpenAI to release millions of anonymized ChatGPT conversation logs as evidence. This development serves as a stark reminder for logistics firms to reassess their AI data governance and privacy policies immediately.
On a more optimistic note, industry insiders emphasize that artificial intelligence will not replace freight forwarders but fundamentally transform how they operate. According to James Coombes, CEO of freight tech firm Raft, the future lies in reimagining core processes with AI as an enabling tool rather than just a flashy technology.
Additionally, Australian logistics businesses are encouraged to take seriously the Security of Critical Infrastructure (SOCI) laws as they offer a tangible opportunity to boost operational resilience—underlining prevention and critical thinking as key pillars.
Operational Challenges and Airport Updates
Meteorological conditions have disrupted flight operations again: dense fog caused significant delays and diversions at Eindhoven Airport this morning, with some aircraft rerouted to Maastricht and Cologne. Eindhoven’s persistent fog challenges continue to impact punctuality and connectivity.
On infrastructure investments, Thailand plans to nearly double its international departure airport tax to around €30 starting early 2026. The government intends to channel extra revenue into upgrading facilities and improving passenger services, reflecting a wider trend of airport authorities seeking new funding streams.
Across Germany, more airports are joining the Sunflower Program to better assist passengers with invisible disabilities, reflecting a growing focus on inclusivity and improved passenger experience.
Cabin Crew Comfort and Aviation Safety Incidents
In terms of crew welfare, Transavia has introduced a new dress code option allowing cabin staff to wear sneakers while working onboard, following KLM’s example. The lighter, more comfortable footwear is expected to promote wellbeing among flight attendants.
Safety concerns surfaced after an incident involving a Qantas Boeing 737-800 that took off with an incorrect calculated weight—over four tons heavier than recorded due to 51 passengers not being accounted for. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is investigating this serious procedural lapse that underscores the critical importance of accurate load management.
Industry Quality and Partnership News
The German union UGT has accused Airbus of prior knowledge regarding quality issues with Spanish supplier Sofitec Aero in Seville, alleging warnings about component defects were ignored for over a year. This raises questions about supply chain oversight and quality assurance in the highly sensitive aerospace sector.
Turkey’s Mavi Gök Airlines recently commenced a long-term wet-lease operation for Neos using Boeing 777 aircraft, strengthening cooperation between European holiday carriers through flexible capacity agreements extending into early 2026.
Finally, Lufthansa Group announced upcoming price hikes for bookings made through traditional GDS platforms Amadeus and Sabre starting January 2026, sparing only Travelport. Fees related to NDC bookings remain unchanged, highlighting a push to modernize distribution channel economics.
That wraps up today’s briefing. Stay tuned for our daily YouTube update with further insights and interviews from logistics and aviation leaders.
– The Airfreight Insider Editorial Team