DHL Global Forwarding Inaugurates New Frankfurt Air Freight Hub

DHL Global Forwarding has announced the inauguration of a new 24,500 square meter Air Freight hub at Frankfurt Airport.  The facility features 54 cross-docks, enabling processing of up to 300,000 tons of air freight for German and international customers.

DHL Global Forwarding's New Frankfurt Air Freight Hub - Courtesy DHL

On Wednesday (June 25, 2025), DHL Global Forwarding celebrated the official opening of their new freight hub at Frankfurt Airport.  The project was developed by Fraport AG on a site of approximately 55,000 square meters in CargoCity Süd.  The 24,500 square meter air freight terminal features 54 cross-docks, enabling the processing of up to 300,000 tons of air freight for both German and international customers.  DHL Global Forwarding’s existing Frankfurt facilities are being consolidated at the new facility, which will support approximately 100 team members.

In Wednesday’s announcement, DHL Global Forwarding Europe’s CEO, Tobias Schmidt, said,

“Frankfurt, with its central location in Europe, has become increasingly important to us as an air freight hub over the years. With the new site, we are turning our vision into reality: the highest quality standards, cutting-edge technology, and stronger consolidation. This establishes the ideal framework for us to manage our growing transport volumes even more efficiently, quickly, and sustainably.”

Also commenting on the new facility opening, Fraport AG’s Executive Board Member – Retail and Real Estate, Anke Giesen, added,

“The inauguration of the state-of-the-art air freight facility by DHL Global Forwarding marks an important milestone in the continued development of Frankfurt as a leading air freight hub. With the Master Plan Cargohub, Fraport aims to increase cargo volumes by over 50 percent, reaching approximately 3 million tons of air freight per year by 2040.  The new site, with an annual turnover of 300,000 tons of freight, is a key component.  Furthermore, the customer-oriented and timely execution of the project showcases the proven expertise of the Fraport real estate development team.”

From left to right: Andreas Bindreiter, Head of Air Freight Europe and StarBroker, DHL Global Forwarding Europe, Tobias Schmidt, CEO DHL Global Forwarding Europe, Markus Panhauser, CEO DHL Global Forwarding Germany and Switzerland – Courtesy DHL

In addition to the new state-of-the-art air freight terminal, the complex includes 3,000 square meters of flexible office and social spaces.  It also accommodates the European headquarters of the in-house air freight operator, StarBroker, which is responsible for booking and coordinating air freight capacities for DHL Global Forwarding and managing controlled flight operations.  Capabilities on the new facilities include consolidation and deconsolidation of air freight, customs clearance, handling for onward transport by truck, and organization of charter capacities, all under one roof.

Source: DHL