02.06.2025
Artikel Nummer: 53152
Labour shortages and red tape hinder German handlers
German air cargo handlers moved 434,182 t of freight in Q1/2025, nearly matching the previous year’s volumes.
However, staff numbers fell by 3.5% year-on-year to 3,248 and by 5.5% compared to Q4/2024. The Association of German Air Cargo Handlers (Vacad) attributes the decline partly to high entry barriers such as lengthy background checks.
Vacad also criticises impractical EU regulations on customs, security, cyber compliance and training. While neighbouring countries see more dynamic growth, German handlers face increasing difficulty attracting staff. Vacad chairman Claus Wagner called for urgent action by the authorities to remove bureaucratic obstacles and protect Germany’s role in European airfreight. (ah)