Italy air cargo traffic declines due to new handling fees

Paolo Maderna, president of the National Association of Air Freight Agents (ANAMA), has warned that new tariffs on non-EU packages are causing Italy to lose air cargo traffic to other countries. Maderna noted that the announcement of initial handling fees had already resulted in a reduction of over 30% of traffic in Italy as shipments were diverted elsewhere.

Additional costs are expected to impact the sector, including a 3 euro duty that took effect on July 31 and an additional 2 euro European handling fee scheduled for November. The industry is also facing challenges from a slowdown in e-commerce and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, though maritime transport difficulties have occasionally driven some traffic toward air routes.

While air transport accounts for approximately 5% of the total volume of goods moved in Italy, it represents over 35% of the total value of goods. ANAMA represents roughly 300 companies, all of which are Italian IATA agents.