DHL starts full operations at state-of-the-art FRA cargo warehouse

DHL Global Forwarding has begun full operations at its newly built, state-of-the-art airfreight warehouse at Frankfurt Airport. The facility is located near Gate 31 in CargoCity South, according to an official release from Fraport.

DHL Group can now draw on expanded capacities at a single, central location for handling up to 300,000 metric tonnes of cargo annually. Previously, the company split its operations across three sites at Frankfurt Airport. Fraport, the owner and operator of Frankfurt Airport, designed and built the airfreight warehouse to align with its customers’ needs. The construction period, from the groundbreaking ceremony to the handover to DHL, went as planned, taking a little over a year, the release added.

“The launch of full operations by DHL Global Forwarding at the state-of-the-art airfreight warehouse is a major milestone in the ongoing development of Frankfurt Airport as an airfreight hub. Under the CargoHub Masterplan, Fraport aims to increase cargo volumes at FRA by some 50 percent to around three million metric tonnes of airfreight per year. In this context, the new warehouse is a major project for Fraport's real estate development team, and it's now been completed on schedule,” says Anke Giesen, Executive Director Retail and Real Estate, Fraport AG.

The new facility spans 55,000 square metres, including 24,500 square metres of warehouse space and 3,000 square metres of flexible office and meeting areas. It is equipped with 54 gates and truck docks, along with dedicated roadways and manoeuvring zones.

The facility provides 25 parking spaces for trucks and 185 for other vehicles, including 20 equipped with e-charging stations. A rooftop photovoltaic system with a peak output of two megawatts is under construction, with the generated green energy to be fed into the airport grid once commissioned. Reflecting its modern design and strong sustainability performance, Fraport is seeking ESG verification under the EU taxonomy, along with gold certification from the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB).

The completed facility will play a key role in handling forecast growth in the airfreight market. With its CargoHub Masterplan, Fraport AG is focusing on the expansion of Frankfurt as an airfreight hub over the coming years.

The plan focuses on three key initiatives: space optimisation, space development, and digitisation with process innovation. The blueprint outlines Fraport’s vision to expand Frankfurt Airport sustainably, in line with evolving freight demand. This approach aims to provide partners and customers with optimal conditions for future growth, supported by strong connectivity, modern infrastructure, and efficient processes.