In the first quarter of 2025, German air cargo terminals handled 434,182 tonnes of air freight – almost as much as in the same period last year. However, the number of employees fell by 3.5% compared to 2024 and by 5.5% compared to the previous quarter, according to the Association of German Air Cargo Operators (Vacad).
The association attributes the decline in personnel to high barriers to employment, including lengthy security checks. In addition, Vacad criticizes the excessive and ineffective EU requirements in the areas of customs clearance, cybersecurity, training and aviation security.
Vacad Chairman Klaus Wagner called on the authorities to take immediate measures to reduce the administrative burden. He emphasized that against the backdrop of stronger growth in neighboring countries, Germany risks losing its competitive position in the European air transport market.