The airfreight sector continues to show strong growth globally, with notable advancements in the Middle East South Asia (MESA) and Asia Pacific regions. According to the latest data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), both regions have experienced growth rates exceeding 19%.

Global airfreight rates, down in early 2024, rebounded with 2% growth in May and a significant 9% increase in June.

This summer, global sea freight issues and increased air freight demand, coupled with major sporting events, will heavily strain air freight capacity and rates. The most significant upcoming events include the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Olympics will occur from July 26 to August 11, while the Paralympics are scheduled from August 28 to September 8.

Additionally, the Tour de France which runs from June 26 to July 21, will impact local services in Paris and surrounding areas. Although transport disruptions are anticipated in France, efforts are being made to minimize disruptions and find optimal rerouting solutions.

Italy: Airport staff set to strike. Following the July 5 walkout, further disruptions are expected at Milan Linate and Bergamo Orio al Serio airports on July 21. It could cause disruption between 1-5pm. Italy's transport sector is forbidden from going on strike between 27 July and 5 September, meaning disruption later in the summer is unlikely.

UK: Gatwick strikes postponed

Workers at London Gatwick Airport were due to walk out later this month in a dispute over pay. However, the strike has temporarily been postponed while union members vote on a fresh pay offer.

Scotland: Union members at Glasgow and Aberdeen airports have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action. Although dates are yet to be announced, it could hit security processing at the Scottish airports from mid-June unless disputes over pay are resolved

Türkiye: Air traffic controllers go on strike. Major flight delays have hit Türkiye's Antalya airport as air traffic controllers walkout over pay and working conditions.

The work-to-rule strike action is impacting around 50 per cent of arrivals and departures and is expected to continue.

France: motorway strikes hit summer holidays. Workers on France's Autoroutes du Sud (ASF) and Vinci motorways have begun a summer of strikes in protest overfalling staff numbers. Paris airports could be hit by strike action ahead of the Olympic Games, as unions have called a walkout on 17 July.