Taipei air cargo operations battle to clear backlogs

Air cargo operations at Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) are facing delays as handlers battle backlogs caused by Typhoon Champi, which struck Taipei towards the end of October, and heightened AI-related demand.

The tropical cyclone battered Taiwan on 22 and 23 October, with winds reaching around 185 miles per hour.

According to freight forwarder Expeditors, freighter operations were suspended from 23-25 October as a result. It is estimated that more than 207 freighter flights were cancelled, creating a “substantial import backlog”.

Expeditors said that cargo terminals remain congested and freighter delays are expected throughout the fourth quarter while terminals clear the residual backlog.

The company added that cargo volumes at the airport were already elevated as a result of increased exports of AI servers, semiconductor equipment, and related products, and increased imports of semiconductor equipment, raw materials, and server parts.

This demand means that handlers at the airport are already handling an additional 80–90 freighter flights per month on top of regular commercial flights.

There are also dolly (flatbed trailer) and manpower constraints.

For exports, Expeditors said that shippers should expect longer cargo handling and acceptance lead times, while for imports there were delays to cargo breakdown and availability.

“Further freighter cancellations remain possible while terminals clear the backlog,” Expeditors said.

“China Airlines freighter services have experienced the most disruption, including cancellations and delays,” it added.

“China Airlines, EVA Air, and STARLUX Airlines have advised that cargo handling and export processing may take longer.”

Seko Logistics has also reported cargo congestion at the airport.

“Increased cargo volumes at TPE are placing pressure on ground handling resources, potentially affecting shipment processing and departure schedules,” the company said. “Selected China Airlines flights, including US-bound freighter services, have also been cancelled.”

It added that China Airlines, EVA Air and STARLUX Airlines have advised that increased import cargo volumes at TPE are placing pressure on manpower, cargo dollies and handling capacity.

“Cargo handling may be delayed, export processing may take longer and planned departure schedules may change,” it warned.

Both companies said that customers should share forecasts, book space and flag sensitive cargo as early as possible.