Air traffic control disruption at Scottish airports hits freight as well as passengers
Freight industry body BIFA warns that air traffic control problems affecting Scottish and northern English airports are disrupting the movement of urgent air cargo alongside passenger flights.
Disruption spreads beyond passengers
Air traffic control issues affecting airports in Scotland and parts of Northern England have disrupted flights, with knock-on effects for air freight operators as well as passengers, according to the British International Freight Association (BIFA).
The trade body, which represents UK freight forwarders, said the disruption risks compromising the movement of goods that rely on air cargo, including perishable produce, medical supplies and components for the automotive, technology and manufacturing sectors.
Echoes of Heathrow disruption
Pawel Jarza, Policy, Compliance and External Affairs Director at BIFA, said the latest disruption follows a similar air traffic control problem at Heathrow, which demonstrated how such incidents can extend well beyond passenger delays.
He said cancellations, delays and diversions leave freight forwarders and their customers with limited control over the movement of goods, at a time when supply chains are already under strain from other global pressures.
Industry response
Jarza said BIFA members are working with airlines, ground handlers, Customs authorities and international networks to prioritise shipments, look at alternative routes and keep customers updated as the situation develops.
He added that reliable air connectivity is essential not just for passengers but for the wider supply chains and businesses that depend on Scottish and UK airports as major cargo gateways, and called for greater infrastructure resilience to protect these routes in future.
The comments were issued via a statement circulated by BIFA in response to the disruption.