Airport in Düsseldorf initiates ground clearance alert as holiday season commencement approaches
In the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia, Aviapartner GmbH & Co. KG, a ground handling company at Düsseldorf Airport, finds itself in the midst of financial distress, facing insolvency proceedings since June 12. This situation has left more than 320 employees with an uncertain future, as the company navigates through restructuring efforts.
The union, Verdi, has been vocal about the situation, warning of a potential violation of license conditions by the company and demanding that the airport, politics, and contractors fulfill their social responsibility towards the employees of Aviapartner. According to union secretary, Andrej Bill, the warnings of Aviapartner employees were ignored, leading to the current crisis.
The insolvency proceedings may lead to changes in the ground handling services at the airport, potentially triggering a competition for the contract. This competition could see the entry of Airline Assistance Switzerland (AAS) and Wings Handling Palma in Düsseldorf. The future of vacation departures at the airport could be affected by these changes, as the company headquarters in Brussels has made a decision to cease operations in Düsseldorf to avoid further losses.
The vulnerability of the vacation flight system was further highlighted by a protest held by Aviapartner employees in the departure area. The union is concerned about the signal this sends to other workforces in ground handling at the airport, fearing that the next potential victim in the next license tender, scheduled to occur in four years, could be the workforce in ground handling at the airport.
As of August 2025, specific details on operational changes or exact employee outcomes at Düsseldorf Airport are not explicitly provided in the current search results. Further verification from Düsseldorf Airport announcements, Aviapartner press releases, or industry reports would be necessary for the most up-to-date and precise information.
The success figures of Düsseldorf Airport do not reveal the instability of the vacation flight system, underscoring the importance of addressing such issues promptly to ensure smooth operations and job security for the affected employees. Protests were held by the employees in front of the airport headquarters and the NRW Ministry of Transport, signalling the need for immediate action and resolution.
The union, Verdi, is expressing concerns about the potential impact of Aviapartner's financial distress on the lifestyle and travel sector, warning of possible license violations and job insecurity for affected employees at Düsseldorf Airport. Airline Assistance Switzerland (AAS) and Wings Handling Palma could enter the competition for the ground handling services contract, potentially altering the lifestyle and travel experiences at the airport.
