Düsseldorf – A long-standing airport service provider is closing its doors — and union representatives are warning of serious consequences for flight operations. After nearly 20 years of activity, Aviapartner Düsseldorf, which handled baggage and ground services for multiple airlines, has declared insolvency and will cease all operations at the end of the year.
The company, which employed around 340 workers, had already filed for self-administered insolvency in June 2024, allowing business to continue temporarily. But as restructuring efforts failed, management confirmed that all activities at Düsseldorf Airport will be permanently discontinued.
Union calls shutdown “particularly fatal”
The Verdi trade union described the shutdown as “particularly fatal,” especially during winter when staffing levels are typically lower due to reduced holiday travel.
Union secretary Linda Malolepszy warned:
“The airport should have a strong interest in maintaining stable operations. If 300 experienced employees leave now, they won’t return in the summer — that puts flight operations at real risk.”
Verdi stressed that losing skilled ground personnel could cause major operational strain once the summer travel season begins again.
Workers escorted by police to collect belongings
According to Verdi, the way employees were treated after the closure announcement was unacceptable. Once Aviapartner’s shutdown became official, their access badges for the airport apron were revoked immediately.
“To collect their personal belongings from lockers, they had to enter under police escort — as if they posed a security threat,” Malolepszy said.
The union is calling on both the airport authority and the City of Düsseldorf, as the majority shareholder, to take responsibility for affected employees and to actively engage in upcoming social plan negotiations.
Airport denies risk to passengers
In a statement, a Düsseldorf Airport spokesperson insisted that flight operations will continue without disruption.
“The handling of the affected airlines is ensured,” the spokesperson told BILD, explaining that other ground service providers are coordinating closely to guarantee a smooth transition.
The Aviation Handling Service AAS will take over flights previously managed by Aviapartner.
“The airport is accompanying this process and supporting all parties to maintain reliable operations without any restrictions for passengers,” the spokesperson said.
Licenses renewed every seven years
Ground-handling and baggage licenses at Düsseldorf Airport are reassigned every seven years. Aviapartner lost its license in 2023, continuing only as a subcontractor, but later failed to sustain operations under this structure.
The company had unsuccessfully challenged the licensing process in court. Its plans for strategic restructuring during insolvency proceedings ultimately collapsed.
Union urges change after years of instability
Verdi is now urging the airport to confront what it calls “years of chaos” in the ground-handling sector. “The ongoing uncertainty and short-term decisions have caused deep frustration among staff,” the union said.
With hundreds of experienced employees leaving, experts warn that Düsseldorf Airport could face recruitment and training bottlenecks by summer 2025 — just as air traffic begins to peak again.
