Weekly Logistics Briefing Key logistics updates for the week (Week 4 of Feb 2025)

Workers at Cologne-Bonn and Düsseldorf International airports in Germany will go on a 24-hour strike on February 23-24 due to ongoing wage disputes. The strike could have extensive effects on passenger flights at both airports. The walkout is part of nationwide industrial action after wage negotiations ended without resolution. Verdi trade union is demanding an 8% wage increase and higher bonuses for stressful work.

On Saturday, February 22, Jetstar Airways experienced a nationwide technical outage that disrupted its check-in and boarding systems, leaving passengers unable to check into their flights. The issue began just before 2 p.m. and lasted approximately three hours, resulting in the cancellation of two return flights. While operations have resumed, some residual delays may still affect flights.

On February 21, heavy snowfall in Istanbul led to the cancellation of 13 flights to and from Ercan Airport in Northern Cyprus. The Turkish Ministry of Transport reduced Istanbul Airport's capacity by 15% on Thursday and 20% on Friday, while Sabiha Gökçen Airport also cut capacity by 10% due to the severe weather conditions. According to weather forecasts, some areas around Istanbul could see up to 40 cm of snowfall. The snowstorm also disrupted land and sea transport, leading to the temporary suspension of Bosphorus Strait maritime traffic and the closure of schools across Istanbul Province. Since most flights to Northern Cyprus transit through Istanbul, these cancellations are expected to cause significant inconvenience to travelers.

The nationwide strike is scheduled from 21.00 on Saturday February 22until the same time on Sunday February 23, the state-owned rail company FS Italiane said in a statement on Monday. It is expected to affect local and long-distance transportation operated by Trenitalia and Italo. Mercitalia, a subsidiary of Trenitalia, is in charge of cargo transportation. The Trenord service in northern Lombardia around Milan and the railway line to and from Rome's Fiumicino Airport are also expected to be suspended.

On February 20, a collision occurred between two vessels in the Black Sea due to adverse weather conditions. The incident took place at an anchorage when the vessel Natig Aliyev drifted into Begonia S. No casualties have been reported, and authorities are assessing the situation to determine the extent of any damage and potential environmental impact.

On February 20, truck drivers at a Compton-based transportation company that serves the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach launched a strike. The strike was initiated as drivers demanded better working conditions and higher wages. As a result, port operations and logistics are expected to face delays, potentially impacting regional supply chains and the local economy.

Torrential rains have caused severe flooding, making roads inaccessible and leaving at least six people dead in KZN. The Border Management Authority (BMA) has suspended operations at three ports of entry (Pont Drift, Makgobistad, and Derdepoort) due to severe flooding. The suspension is due to significant water levels rising in the Molopo River, making operations at the ports unsafe and impractical. Travelers and commercial operators are advised to use alternative ports of entry (Ramatlabama, Kopfontein, and Skilpadshek) for cross-border movement.

The Argentinean Customs Personnel Union (SUPARA), representing customs employees, has announced a series of strikes in response to measures implemented by the national government. The strikes are scheduled for Thursday and Friday, February 20 and 21, from 10:00 to 14:00 local time, and again on Thursday and Friday, February 27 and 28, from 10:00 to 16:00. It is expected delays to all import and export shipments at ports as a result of the strikes.

Delta Air Lines Flight 4819, operated by Endeavor Air, crashed while landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport in Canada around 2:45 p.m. on Feb 17 local time. All 80 people aboard Delta flight 4819 have been evacuated and up to eight people were injured in the crash. Airport staff said that all arrivals and departures at Pearson were shut down. According to the FAA’s notice, all runways at the airport are closed.

Belgian railway unions oppose reforms to the labor market and pension system, and are scheduled to strike from February 21 to March 2. The Belgian railway union ASTB-SACT (Autonomous Union of Train Drivers) is scheduled to go on a nationwide strike for all drivers and shunters from 22:00 on Sunday, February 23, until 22:00 on Friday, February 28. The other two railway unions, the Independent Trade Union of Railway Personnel (OVS) and VSOA Spoor, are also scheduled to strike from 22:00 on February 21 to 22:00 on March 2.