Global logistics giant UPS has announced a significant expansion of its dedicated freighter services connecting India and Germany. The company revealed it is adding six new flights per week between Delhi and Cologne, a move designed to meet rising demand for reliable and efficient international cargo transport.
The expanded service is operated by UPS’s own aircraft, further enhancing connectivity between Asia and Europe. According to UPS, the increased frequency will provide faster and more flexible options for businesses shipping from India to Europe, particularly those in sectors like automotive, pharmaceuticals, and high-tech.
UPS stated that the additional flights will help improve transit times and supply chain resilience for Indian exporters. The direct route between Delhi and Cologne is expected to provide more predictable scheduling and reduce dependency on third-party carriers or interline arrangements. The freighters will carry a wide range of cargo, including time-sensitive shipments that require consistent and expedited delivery.
The announcement comes as UPS continues to invest heavily in its global logistics network. The Cologne Bonn Airport in Germany serves as one of the company’s main European air hubs, while Delhi is a critical logistics gateway for Northern India. By strengthening this corridor, UPS aims to support India’s growing role in global manufacturing and trade.
“We’re seeing strong growth in India’s export economy, and this expansion ensures our customers can reliably move their goods to Europe with enhanced speed and dependability,” said Ufku Akaltan, president for UPS Indian Subcontinent, Middle East, and Africa.
The company emphasized that the service upgrades are aligned with its broader strategy to support small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) as they expand internationally. UPS said its scalable logistics solutions, paired with enhanced air connectivity, would make it easier for Indian enterprises to compete in European markets.
The expansion is also part of UPS’s efforts to respond to global supply chain disruptions and changing trade patterns. As geopolitical tensions and reshoring trends reshape international trade, logistics providers like UPS are adjusting networks to ensure continuity, reliability, and adaptability.
In addition to the added capacity, the company highlighted its capabilities in customs clearance, warehousing, and end-to-end logistics management, further easing the shipping experience for customers navigating international markets.
The announcement follows UPS’s recent expansion of its express services in India, including the launch of a joint venture with InterGlobe Enterprises in 2022 aimed at scaling up the company’s presence across the subcontinent. That venture led to improvements in domestic service coverage and investments in warehousing infrastructure, digital tools, and customer service.
India’s fast-growing manufacturing and e-commerce sectors are expected to fuel sustained demand for air cargo services in the coming years. Government initiatives like “Make in India” and new trade agreements have boosted outbound shipments, prompting global logistics players to enhance capacity.
For Germany, the connection further solidifies its status as a trade and logistics hub in Europe. Cologne Bonn Airport, which already handles significant UPS volumes, will now accommodate even more shipments destined for the broader European Union.
Analysts note that the timing of this move is strategic, as global trade continues its recovery from pandemic-era disruptions. With capacity constraints still evident in parts of the air cargo market, dedicated freighter services like this one offer shippers greater assurance.
UPS’s enhanced India-Germany connection reflects the increasing role of air freight in supporting just-in-time supply chains and fulfilling time-critical needs across international trade routes. The logistics provider says it will continue assessing demand and may further expand routes or capacity in the future as needed.
Customers in India interested in leveraging the new flights are encouraged to contact UPS representatives for scheduling, pricing, and service availability.
The expanded Delhi-Cologne service is now operational, with six weekly round trips providing a robust link between two key economic regions.
Source: Air Cargo News
