Air cargo shippers feel impact of EU immigration crisis

In a situation that only seems to be getting worse, The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) has called on world leaders meeting at the United Nations this week to work together to find solutions to the ongoing migrant crisis in Europe.

While concentrated on The Continent, the implications for U.S. logistics managers is obvious, said analysts.

The situation has already seen more than 514,000 people cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe with almost 3,000 people perishing on the journey or reported missing.

“We must act together now to stop this human tragedy, and TIACA, which has in-depth expertise on global security issues, is prepared to offer its support in any way it can,” said Doug Brittin, Secretary General, TIACA.

“The tremendous influx of refugees in Europe has a terrible human cost and is also is also impacting our members and our industry.”

The crisis has resulted in increased wait times at border crossings including the Channel Tunnel between Calais, France and Dover, UK as well as causing empty positioning and reduced volumes for truckers, having a significant financial impact on European air cargo logistics.

The Dutch Association for Transport and Logistics claims that if controls were established across all Schengen borders, the single European zone with borderless travel between 26 states, adding a one-hour delay to crossings, the cost for Dutch carriers alone would be EUR600m a year.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), roughly 30% of all air cargo comes from or goes to Europe, and therefore these problems have a direct impact on a major part of global air cargo volumes.

“We must act now to find solutions firstly to resolve the humanitarian crisis and then also to ensure the free flow of goods in Europe,” said Brittin.