Airport in Düsseldorf: Initial watch for takeoff wrt holiday season commencement
In a significant blow to the aviation industry, ground handling company Aviapartner GmbH & Co. KG at Düsseldorf Airport has entered preliminary insolvency proceedings as of June 12, 2025 [1]. This development has left approximately 340 employees in a precarious financial situation, as the company is unable to meet its payroll obligations [1].
The trade union representing Aviapartner employees has expressed deep concern over the long-term service of its members under difficult conditions, demanding respect, security, and prospects for the future [1]. However, these concerns seem to have been ignored, leading to a growing sense of unease among the workforce [1].
The insolvency of Aviapartner at Düsseldorf Airport has created a major operational and employment crisis. The exact stage of the insolvency proceedings beyond the financial incapacity is not clear, but the company is clearly in a distressed state as of July 2025 [1].
The trade union has organised a demonstration in the departure area of Düsseldorf Airport to express their demands and concerns about the uncertain future of Aviapartner employees [1]. The demonstration is a response to the potential impact of the insolvency on holiday flights, as the ground handling company's insolvency may lead to competition for the contract to handle these flights [1].
The trade union secretary, Andrej Bill, has warned that the next ground handling license tender in four years could potentially affect more workers [1]. He also states that the employees of Aviapartner have been warning about an impending crisis for some time [1].
Competition for the contract to handle holiday flights at Düsseldorf Airport is heating up, with Airline Assistance Switzerland (AAS) and Wings Handling Palma vying for the business [1]. AAS took over the license holder Acciona in an unspecified year [1].
The trade union has raised concerns about potential violations of licensing conditions by AAS [1]. The decision by the NRW Ministry of Transport regarding the licensing issue is still pending, despite a promise for a decision by the end of June 2025 [1].
The success figures of Düsseldorf Airport do not reveal the potential impact of the ground handling company's insolvency on holiday flights [1]. However, it is estimated that the insolvency may affect holiday plans for more than 220,000 holidaymakers this weekend alone [1].
The trade union has expressed its demands for the airport, politics, and clients to fulfil their social responsibilities towards the Aviapartner employees [1]. The demonstrations in front of the airport headquarters and the NRW Ministry of Transport are a testament to the employees' determination to secure their future [1].
As the situation unfolds, the future of Aviapartner employees at Düsseldorf Airport remains uncertain. Further developments and potential outcomes are eagerly awaited.
[1] Sources: Local news outlets, trade union statements, and industry reports.
The trade union, voicing concerns for Aviapartner employees, plans to maintain their demands for respect, security, and a promising future amidst the uncertainty [1]. In the meantime, competition for holiday flight handling contracts intensifies with Airline Assistance Switzerland (AAS) and Wings Handling Palma in pursuit, potentially impacting plans of over 220,000 holidaymakers this weekend alone [1].
