California burning: the firestorm in LA and its impact on trade

As fires rip through Los Angeles County, their widespread devastation is being felt, leaving homes, businesses, and vital lifelines that connect the region to the global economy in ruins. Among the many sectors affected with this crisis, the air cargo industry faces a major test of its resilience and adaptability.  

A city ablaze and a global industry shaken 

The wildfires raging across Los Angeles have resulted in 25 fatalities, 23 missing persons,  scorched thousands of acres, forced mass evacuations, and blanketed the region in a thick, choking smoke. But their impact isn’t just confined to Southern California’s borders. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), one of the busiest air cargo hubs in the world, has already felt the impact  of this disaster. 

LAX handles over 2.7 million metric tonnes of airfreight annually, serving as a focal point for goods like fresh produce, medical supplies, and high-value electronics. But with the fires still uncontained and high winds scattering the flames unpredictably, operations are far from business as usual. Thick smoke has reduced v…