# DHL expands healthcare air freight network with new Asia corridors

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/dhl-expands-healthcare-air-freight-network-with-new-asia-corridors/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** pelavox. Newsroom
- **Published:** 2026-10-13T08:11:43+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-10-13T08:11:43+00:00
- **Section:** Transport / Air
- **Type:** News
- **Topics:** Air Freight, Cold Chain Logistics, DHL Global Forwarding, Healthcare Supply Chain, Pharmaceutical Logistics, Singapore

DHL Global Forwarding has expanded its temperature-controlled healthcare logistics network with six dedicated air freight corridors connecting major pharmaceutical hubs in Europe and North America with destinations across Asia.

Announced on 12 October, the expansion forms part of the DHL Health Logistics Cold Chain Network and is designed to provide additional transport capacity and routing options for temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical and healthcare shipments.

The new corridors connect Liège and Brussels in Europe, and Cincinnati in the United States, with key Asian markets including China, Singapore, Japan and South Korea.

## Six new routes strengthen pharmaceutical connectivity

The newly established corridors comprise Liège–Shanghai, Brussels–Shanghai, Brussels–Singapore, Cincinnati–Singapore, Cincinnati–Tokyo Narita and Cincinnati–Seoul Incheon.

According to DHL, the routes are primarily supported by its dedicated aviation network, with most flights operated using DHL-branded aircraft. Keeping shipments within the company’s network is intended to reduce handling transfers and improve control over temperature-sensitive cargo.

The company also uses Boeing 777 freighters equipped with three compartments offering different temperature settings to accommodate varying shipment requirements.

The expansion follows the introduction of a Brussels–Cincinnati healthcare air corridor earlier in 2026.

## Cold chain infrastructure supports network growth

DHL’s Cold Chain Network combines dedicated air corridors with validated handling procedures, temperature-controlled infrastructure and specialised protective packaging.

The network is designed to transport pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biologics and clinical trial materials while limiting exposure to temperatures outside specified ranges during handling and transfer.

Singapore is a particular focus of the expansion, with new connections from Brussels and Cincinnati complementing DHL’s plans for a dedicated cold chain hub in the city-state.

The planned facility will include storage and handling areas maintained at 2–8°C and 15–25°C, alongside direct airside access.

In the United States, DHL is also expanding its life sciences and healthcare facility in Indianapolis, approximately 2.5 hours by road from its Cincinnati air gateway, with additional temperature-controlled operational and pallet storage space.

The six new corridors extend DHL’s existing healthcare logistics network as the company develops additional capacity for specialised pharmaceutical transport.

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Cite as: "DHL expands healthcare air freight network with new Asia corridors", pelavox., 13 October 2026, https://pelavox.com/dhl-expands-healthcare-air-freight-network-with-new-asia-corridors/