Daily Briefing – November 13, 2025
Welcome to today’s airfreightinsider.com Daily Briefing, your concise update on the most important developments shaping global air cargo and logistics. Here’s what you need to know:
DHL Commits €1 Billion Investment to India as Global Tech Hub
DHL is doubling down on India as a strategic technology hub with plans to invest €1 billion by 2030. While parts of this investment were announced previously, the latest includes a dedicated DHL Health Logistics hub, among other expansions. This move underscores India’s growing importance in global logistics innovation and DHL’s intent to strengthen its foothold in one of the fastest-growing markets worldwide.
On the financial front, DHL Group reported a record Q3 2025 performance, ranking as Europe’s top transport and logistics player for the year so far. Despite ongoing trade uncertainties, strong investor confidence and solid momentum continue to drive the group forward, emphasizing its reputation as a reliable defensive bet in the sector.
Network Expansion and Route Changes Shake Up Europe
Several European carriers are ramping up their networks for next year’s summer schedules. Finnair announced a substantial expansion from Helsinki and Lapland, adding twelve new destinations—including Luxemburg, Stavanger, Tirana, Thessaloniki, and Turin—aiming to capture growing demand across Europe. The Lapland winter network will also expand with three new European routes.
Likewise, Eurowings is increasing its service on the Köln/Bonn to Klagenfurt route from twice to three weekly flights in summer 2026, reflecting steady passenger interest in this connection.
Meanwhile, in the UK regional market, Skybus has taken over the Newquay to London-Gatwick route from the now-defunct Eastern Airways. Daily flights will start on November 23, ensuring continued connectivity for Cornwall.
Infrastructure Updates: Munich Terminal 1 Expansion Nears Completion
A new pier at Munich Airport’s Terminal 1 is soon to open, designed to handle up to six million passengers. It’s being called the airport’s new “jewel box,” and will centralize key functions for all Non-Schengen travelers, enhancing efficiency and passenger experience ahead of peak travel seasons.
At London Heathrow, tensions remain over the proposed third runway’s location and length, with British Airways favoring a version that avoids the need to reroute nearby motorways. Airlines operating at Heathrow are reportedly facing challenges regarding this plan, as discussions with the airport operator continue.
Labor Disruptions and Operational Challenges
In South America, Chile’s Latam Airlines has canceled dozens of flights amid a pilot strike affecting approximately 464 cockpit crew members. The strike follows failed mediation efforts and highlights ongoing tensions between labor unions and management in the region.
On the Caribbean island of Curaçao, Swissport ground staff have been arrested on suspicion of theft from an aircraft, raising concerns about airport security protocols in the region.
Global Aviation Highlights
- Turkey temporarily grounds C-130 Hercules fleet after a fatal military transport crash in Georgia. The Ministry of Defence has suspended all flights of this type pending thorough inspections.
- Emirates plans to operate 110 Airbus A380 aircraft by end of 2026, expanding from the current 95 superjumbos. The airline’s leadership is also focusing on the long-term maintenance of this iconic fleet.
- US aviation sector recovers from historic shutdown, resuming normal operations after the longest stoppage in American aviation history disrupted schedules and logistics chains.
- Frankfurt customs seize illicit goods, including confiscation of wolf pelts during a recent inspection of passengers arriving from Kazakhstan.
Industry Events and Research Insights
The upcoming ILA Berlin Air Show 2026 is already seeing record demand from exhibitors, with around 90 percent of exhibition space booked. The event promises to focus heavily on the latest aerospace innovations and sustainability trends.
A recent European study challenges the popular assumption that increased flight traffic drives economic growth. Instead, the research suggests that higher incomes tend to generate more air traffic, not the other way around. This finding invites reconsideration of ongoing airport expansion projects, including the controversial plans in Frankfurt.
Business Travel Costs Remain High Across Europe
According to the latest GBTA Business Travel Index Outlook, despite geopolitical and economic challenges, business travel expenses continue to rise in Europe. The Netherlands ranks among the countries with the highest costs, reflecting a sustained demand for corporate mobility.
That wraps up today’s briefing. Stay tuned for our daily YouTube video for deeper insights and interviews. As always, we keep you ahead in the fast-paced world of air freight and aviation logistics.
Your airfreightinsider.com editorial team