air-cargo

Schiphol Cargo Operations Strained by Staff Shortages, Handler Changes

Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport is grappling with significant operational constraints in its cargo division. Staff pressures, handler transitions and surging e-commerce volumes are driving the strain. The airport this week consolidated ground handling from six agents to three—dnata, KLM and Viggo—a shift expected to disrupt cargo workflows during the transition period despite not directly affecting cargo handlers. Industry association Air Cargo Netherlands cited the European Union's incoming €3 fee on e-commerce packages as a driver of forward shipments before November's implementation. France and Italy's separate €2 charges are exacerbating the surge. ACN recommended shippers minimize loose shipments and prioritize unit load devices to streamline supply chain efficiency. The association is also advocating for standardized data protocols to eliminate import-export bottlenecks and improve coordination across the cargo community.