DHL Global Forwarding adds new Asia-Europe air freight routes

DHL Global Forwarding, the air and ocean freight specialist of DHL Group, has announced the launch of new weekly flights connecting key logistics hubs between Asia and Europe, as part of a strategic expansion of its dedicated air freight capacity on one of the world's busiest trade corridors.

The new service, which kicks off with the start of the summer aviation schedule, will see DHL Global Forwarding operate weekly Boeing 777F rotations on two routes: Shanghai-Leipzig and Hong Kong-Liège, with onward distribution across Europe. The move strengthens the cross-business collaboration between DHL Global Forwarding and DHL Express, two divisions of the DHL Group, combining shared assets and operational expertise to deliver integrated logistics solutions for customers.

Leipzig has been selected as a key European gateway due to its established role as a major DHL Express aviation hub and its robust infrastructure for operational processing. Shipments arriving from Shanghai will be processed there before being distributed across the continent. The choice of Leipzig also reflects DHL's broader strategy of maximising the efficiency of its European hubs, particularly during peak demand periods.

The Liège-Hong Kong route will include a stopover in Tel Aviv, a connection that plays an important role in ensuring reliable and continued service for customers in that market. In cooperation with an airline partner, the flight may also accommodate limited cargo loading or offloading when required. The return leg from Hong Kong will feed directly back into DHL's European distribution network.

"Expanding our controlled capacity on the Asia-Europe corridor reinforces our commitment to reliability, speed, and resilience for our customers," said Henk Venema, Global Head of Air Freight DHL Global Forwarding. "The demand on that trade lane continues to grow at an exceptional pace, and strengthening our network ensures that we stay ahead of customer needs."

The expansion does not stop at Asia-Europe. DHL has confirmed that it is also preparing further enhancements across its intercontinental air network, with plans for increased transpacific uplift between South-East Asia and the United States slated for later in 2026.

Travis Cobb, EVP Global Operations and Aviation DHL Express, underscored the significance of the inter-divisional collaboration: "This cross-divisional collaboration demonstrates our commitment to supporting global trade flows. By joining forces across DHL Global Forwarding and DHL Express, we ensure that customers benefit from our combined strength as the world's leading logistics provider."

The development reflects a growing trend among major logistics players to secure controlled, dedicated air capacity rather than relying solely on commercial airline belly freight, a strategy that offers greater predictability and resilience in the face of fluctuating market conditions.