Air freight operations across the Americas are entering 2026 under pressure from widening labour and skills shortages, reports London's Air Cargo Week.

Staffing gaps in ground handling, pilots and air-traffic control are slowing cargo processing, extending aircraft turnaround times and causing clearance delays. Controller shortages in Canada have forced tower closures, while the 2025 US government shutdown triggered widespread flight cancellations and delays.

Post-pandemic workforce cuts have left ground-handling staff levels well below pre-2020 numbers. A survey found 59 per cent of air cargo workers had considered leaving the industry, citing poor pay, unpredictable schedules and limited career progression.

Shortages also extend to customs officers, security screeners and clerks, leading to longer dwell times and clearance delays. During the US shutdown, thousands of support staff were furloughed, with border crossings facing delays of up to six hours.

Industry responses include IATA's Ground Operations Training Passport to improve worker mobility and the FAA's expansion of collegiate training to fast-track controller certification. Recruitment drives at Miami International Airport and workforce investment by AGI are also under way.

Despite advances in automation and digital tools, critical air freight functions such as dangerous-goods acceptance, ULD build-up and ramp-side coordination still require skilled human labour.

Analysts say 2026 will be a year of workforce reinvention, with operators recognising labour and skills as essential infrastructure to sustain growth and resilience in air cargo.