DHL Express Poland and Górnośląskie Towarzystwo Lotnicze S.A. have signed an agreement for the construction of a new DHL Express cargo terminal to be located directly adjacent to the apron at Katowice Airport. The project marks an important step in the development of the company’s logistics infrastructure in both Poland and Europe, while also representing a major expansion of the airport’s cargo capabilities.
The new investment will be built on the last available plot with direct access to Katowice Airport’s airside infrastructure. The airport is currently the leader in Poland’s air cargo segment. The project responds to growing demand for logistics services in the country’s most industrialized region and strengthens DHL Express’s strategic presence in southern Poland. Thanks to the investment, the operator will be able to respond even more effectively to the needs of both current and future customers by offering comprehensive services, including customs clearance for imports and exports to markets around the world. Construction of the facility is planned for 2027–2028, with operations expected to begin in 2029.
“Signing the agreement with Górnośląskie Towarzystwo Lotnicze S.A. is an important step in implementing our long-term strategy for growth and the expansion of DHL Express infrastructure in Poland. The new cargo terminal will allow us to meet customer expectations and business needs even more effectively, particularly those of companies involved in the export and import of time-critical shipments and high-value goods, while also supporting the manufacturing sector, for which reliable and fast transport is essential. This project will also support the handling of heavy shipments weighing up to 3 tons, giving customers greater flexibility and improved access to global markets. The investment also aligns with our global goals of running sustainable and environmentally friendly logistics operations,” said Tomasz Buraś, CEO of DHL Express Poland.
The new operational center will enable DHL Express to relocate its current infrastructure in Katowice to a more technologically advanced site with direct apron access. This will translate into more efficient handling of growing shipment volumes and allow services to be tailored even more closely to customer needs in the region. The project will increase throughput and operational capacity in southern Poland, while also supporting rising shipment volumes from the Łódź and Warsaw regions in line with forecast growth through 2049. It will also help optimize operating times and further improve service quality, while strengthening security standards, including compliance with TAPA A requirements and the Global Security Framework.
“DHL has been present at Katowice Airport for nearly 30 years. It is a proven and reliable partner — DHL Express is the largest courier operator at our airport. We want the company to continue growing here, which is why we have entered into this agreement to build a cargo terminal. It will be the second facility of this kind at Katowice Airport. It is worth emphasizing that the development of the cargo zone generates significant added value for the regional economy — creating new jobs and deepening specialization in logistics. This investment will strengthen one of the key pillars of our airport’s operations. Pyrzowice remains the leader among regional airports in freight handling. We forecast that a record 50,000 tons of cargo will be handled in our cargo zone this year. Our goal by 2030 is to double that result, which will be possible in part thanks to the joint project with DHL Express,” said Artur Tomasik, President of the Management Board of Górnośląskie Towarzystwo Lotnicze S.A.
The terminal will be a modern logistics facility with approximately 4,500 square meters of warehouse space, equipped with an advanced sorting system capable of processing up to 6,000 shipments per hour. The infrastructure will include 13 gates for linehaul transport and 60 courier gates, with the possibility of further expansion. The development will also feature a three-storey office section covering approximately 1,500 square meters.
The investment will be carried out in line with DHL Express’s global GoGreen strategy and ESG standards. The project предусматриuje the use of energy-efficient HVAC systems, the implementation of solutions aimed at reducing CO₂ emissions, and the achievement of high environmental performance standards at the Carbon Neutral (Excellent) level.
