DHL boosts global trade with new Barcelona Hub

DHL Express has inaugurated its new international hub at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, following an investment of $85.6 million. The facility, completed in less than two years, can process more than 20,000 pieces per hour which is seven times the capacity of the previous site, reinforcing Barcelona’s position as a key global logistics centre.

The new hub is designed to strengthen international transport operations, serving both imports and exports while connecting Europe, America, and North Africa. It supports DHL Express’s long-term vision of accommodating growth for the next 20 years and aligns with the company’s sustainability goals.

Mike Parra, CEO of DHL Express Europe, described the facility as a “strategic investment built for future growth”, adding that it reinforces the company’s role in global trade and supports DHL Group’s Strategy 2030.

DHL Express activity in Barcelona grew by 30% in five years, mainly due to international e-commerce. Although volumes stabilised during the global slowdown, the hub is built to adapt to changing shipment flows without disruption. The site covers 29,000 m², including 10,000 m² of warehouse space and 3,000 m² of offices, and will serve companies across Catalonia, the Balearic Islands and Andorra.

Miguel Borras, Managing Director of DHL Express Spain, said the opening reflects growth, future vision and commitment to innovation and sustainability. DHL Express supports more than 20,000 companies in Spain, over a fifth of which are based in Catalonia.

The hub features advanced security and customs systems, 22 loading positions, 9 unloading positions and 24 truck docks. It connects to DHL’s dedicated aviation network with 10 daily flights, plus six additional intercontinental commercial flights. Plans include adding two new flights and expanding long-haul connectivity.

Jesus Sanchez, Senior Vice President HUBs at DHL Express Europe, said Spain plays a strategic role as a bridge between Europe, Africa and Latin America, with the company handling up to 150 weekly flights from the country.

Currently, DHL Express Spain operates three hubs, in Barcelona, Madrid and Vitoria alongside six gateways for national connections. Across Spain, the company runs 16 aircraft covering 26 routes with more than 40 flights daily.

The Barcelona hub has also created over 10% more qualified jobs and provides a modern, safe workplace. It includes photovoltaic panels, 37 electric vehicle chargers, a greywater recovery system and intelligent LED lighting. The infrastructure is prepared to scale up for full electric operations, supporting DHL Group’s targets of cutting emissions below 29 million tonnes by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050.

The new hub comes ahead of further DHL investment in Spain, including a new operational facility in Girona and a $42.8 million aircraft maintenance hangar in Vitoria, which will be the company’s second-largest in Europe when it opens in 2027.