Weekly Logistics Briefing Key logistics updates for the week
(Week 2 of December 2025)

Goods transporters across Pakistan have begun an indefinite nationwide strike from Monday, halting freight movement. The strike has stopped goods deliveries from factories, warehouses, and ports, causing major disruption to the supply chain. No cargo has departed from Karachi’s main ports or truck terminals toward inland destinations. The ongoing strike is affecting industrial operations and retail distribution, with concerns about shortages and rising costs if it continues. Transporters are opposing new laws and fines introduced by the Punjab Assembly, claiming they are unfair and demanding their withdrawal.

IndiGo, India’s largest airline, cancelled over 4,500 flights in one week due to pilot shortages, Airbus A320 software advisories, and new FDTL rules, heavily affecting major airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai. The DGCA issued a notice to IndiGo’s CEO over crew rostering issues, and the airline provided recovery measures including about ₹610 crore in refunds, waiver of rescheduling fees, and support with hotel stays and meals. Passengers faced extra costs during peak travel, but operations are stabilizing, with full recovery expected by December 10.

On Saturday, around 18 containers, mostly carrying bananas, fell overboard near the Nab Tower lighthouse off the Isle of Wight. The incident caused shipping delays, including preventing the P&O Cruises ship Iona from departing Southampton. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency confirmed that no one was injured and that the containers held non-hazardous cargo. HM Coastguard is monitoring the situation, issuing warnings to nearby vessels, and working with the owners to recover the containers.

São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport, a baggage loader caught fire near a parked LATAM Airbus A320. The fire spread close to the aircraft’s wing, filling the cabin with smoke and prompting an emergency evacuation of 180 passengers. Quick action by the flight crew and emergency teams ensured that all passengers were evacuated safely without injuries. The fire originated from ground equipment and did not damage the aircraft, and Brazilian authorities have begun investigations to strengthen safety measures.

Over 1,900 December flights between China and Japan have been cancelled amid political tensions, mainly affecting Beijing and Shanghai routes. Demand for Japan travel from China has dropped sharply, prompting airlines to adjust capacity and refunds. Alternative destinations like Russia and South Korea are seeing increased demand, while Japan monitors economic effects from reduced Chinese tourism.