DHL does not fill vacant positions in Leipzig/Halle

The logistics group DHL Express is currently not filling vacant positions at its European air freight hub at Leipzig/Halle Airport. The reason for this is the decline in shipment volumes in the express business since 2022, the company announced. According to the Mitteldeutsche Zeitung newspaper, there were still 4,565 jobs at the DHL hub at the beginning of 2026, compared to 5,120 at the beginning of 2024. The company did not confirm these figures when asked, but did not deny them either.

Weaker global economy as a reason

According to the company, the reason for the development is a weaker development of the global economy and international trade. When companies ship fewer goods worldwide, the demand for express deliveries by air also decreases. For this reason, there are currently no plans to fill vacant positions through fluctuation.

Tariffs and new rules slow down US business

According to the company, shipment volumes to the USA fell in 2025. This was due to higher tariffs and the repeal of the de minimis rule, which previously allowed many low-value parcel shipments to enter the USA duty-free or with simplified import procedures.

The DHL hub at Leipzig/Halle Airport is considered one of the company's most important air freight centers in Europe.