DHL Group's latest financial report shows that its pre-tax profit in the second quarter of 2026 increased by 291 million T/3 million tons year-on-year, with the Express delivery business nearly doubling its profit.
The group subsequently raised its full-year EBIT forecast to €6.5 billion, higher than previous market expectations.
Why did it rise so much?
The core reason is simple: air freight capacity is tight.
The war in Iran led to a significant reduction in operations by airlines in the Middle East, resulting in a contraction in available air freight capacity globally. DHL Express, as a courier giant with its own all-cargo aircraft network, was less affected by the capacity shortage and instead gained stronger pricing power.
Simply put, DHL can still fly routes that others can't, so naturally, it's more expensive.
What does this mean for the person sending the package?
- DHL Express shipping rates are unlikely to decrease in the short term and may even continue to rise.
- Flight routes to the Middle East and Africa, which are affected by conflicts, will experience fluctuations in both delivery time and price.
- If you have a large order volume, it is recommended to lock in the price with the agent in advance.
To get real-time quotes for all DHL routes, you can...Check shipping costsFor goods destined for remote areas, remember to first...Check if it's remote.To avoid additional costs.
source:FreightWaves