Global logistics and supply chain company UPS has expanded its air cargo operations between India and Europe by adding a new weekly freighter flight from Delhi to Cologne. The move comes in response to increasing international demand for Indian exports, particularly in sectors like automotive, healthcare, and industrial manufacturing, and is set to double the company’s airfreight capacity on this strategic route.
Expanded Connectivity Between India, Europe and the U.S.
The additional flight, operated by one of UPS’s Boeing 747-8 freighter aircraft, will connect Delhi directly with the company’s Cologne hub in Germany. With this addition, UPS will now double its weekly airfreight capacity on the India-Germany corridor.
From Cologne, cargo can swiftly be routed to destinations across Europe and the United States—India’s second-largest trading partner—enhancing end-to-end connectivity for Indian exporters. The company said the expansion aims to meet surging demand for fast and reliable logistics solutions across multiple sectors, including automotive, industrial manufacturing, retail, and healthcare.
Demand Driven by Policy Reforms and Export Push
UPS cited India’s ongoing economic reforms, enhanced manufacturing capabilities, and improved access to international markets as key drivers behind the increased trade volumes. “There’s a clear upswing in demand for Indian products across sectors globally,” the company said in a statement.
Daniel Carrera, President of UPS Europe, Middle East, Africa & India, noted, “We are witnessing rising interest from Europe and beyond for Indian-made goods. This network expansion is not just about speed—it’s about unlocking new trade opportunities for Indian businesses and improving access for European consumers.”
India Emerges as a Major Global Trade Partner
India’s growing influence in global trade is reflected in its numbers. Europe is now India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral goods trade reaching $137.4 billion in the last fiscal year. This makes faster, more scalable freight infrastructure critical to maintaining momentum in Indian exports.
UPS’s increased air connectivity is expected to further facilitate India’s integration into global supply chains, especially at a time when multinational firms are looking to diversify sourcing destinations and strengthen supply resilience.
UPS’s Deepening Footprint in Indian Logistics
The expanded flight is part of UPS’s broader strategy to deepen its footprint in India’s high-growth logistics market. In 2022, the company launched an air express operation at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport and significantly expanded its Delhi facility.
UPS also opened a state-of-the-art, temperature-controlled cross-dock facility in Hyderabad to support pharmaceutical and healthcare shipments—an area where India holds significant global clout. In a move to further boost domestic delivery capability, UPS partnered with Indian travel conglomerate InterGlobe Enterprises to launch a joint venture named Movin.
India-Europe Corridor Gains Strategic Importance
With this latest investment, UPS reinforces its commitment to India’s rapidly evolving trade ecosystem. As Indian exporters continue to capture global market share, particularly in Europe and North America, enhanced air freight solutions like UPS’s expanded Delhi-Cologne route are poised to play a pivotal role in sustaining and accelerating this growth.
