General

The new crown detection operation disrupted the cargo business of Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG), and it is expected that there will be large-scale flight delays and cancellations over the weekend.

According to the freight forwarder, Shanghai International Airport Services (SIAS), a tarmac handling procedure, suspended activities after detecting a positive case, and all employees were sent for testing or isolation.

Someone said: "But the PVG did not shut down-none of the terminals closed, it was just a rumor-the problem was only the ramp handler."

However, the impact can be huge. The freight forwarder said that today and weekend flights are severely delayed, and it is expected that the airline will issue more cancellation notices next week.

SIAS is PVG's main apron service provider for almost all foreign airlines. Some flights are likely to take off without cargo, or are severely delayed while waiting for the limited manpower to resume processing the aircraft.

Therefore, this sudden problem will certainly lead to further interruptions for many airlines. More cargo will be unloaded and piled up in PVG, confirmed rates and cargo reservations will no longer be valid, due to a severe lack of capacity, the upcoming air freight rate may soar.

In fact, in the notice to customers, Qatar Airways Cargo Chief Officer Guillaume Halleux said: “Due to the continuous outbreak of coronavirus cases in Shanghai, we are facing numerous challenges that affect our operations. These are unforeseen. The challenge is beyond our control. Our ground handling agent informed us that there is not enough manpower available to handle any flights in and out of Shanghai. In view of this, we temporarily restrict all cargo in and out of PVG until further notice.

Rickard Ingvarsson, CEO of Scan Global Logistics Asia, said that the company has received confirmation that SIAS has suspended operations until further notice. This interrupted the cargo handling of about 17 airlines, including Air China, Cathay Pacific, Qatar and Etihad.

He added: "There are rumors that [Cargo Station] PACTL and China Eastern Airlines Logistics will also stop receiving cargo."