DHL Air (Bahrain) launched as regional cargo hub

DHL Express’ Middle East airline, DHL Aviation EEMEA, has been renamed DHL Air (Bahrain), marking a shift in how the company is positioning its aviation operations in the region. The airline operates from Bahrain and runs 266 weekly flights to 23 countries using a fleet of 12 aircraft, including Boeing 767-300F and Boeing 737-800 freighters. It has also handled more than 70 per cent of Bahrain’s total air cargo traffic over the past five years.

The change matters because it strengthens Bahrain’s role as a regional cargo hub at a time when airlines and logistics companies are looking for stable and well-connected bases. A clearer national identity for the airline can help with regulatory alignment, faster approvals, and smoother operations, especially as air cargo demand continues to shift across the Middle East.

Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, HE Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, pointed to ongoing progress in aviation and logistics, particularly in infrastructure and policy support.

DHL Express MENA CEO AbdulAziz Busbate said the company is also focusing on local workforce development, with Bahrainisation reaching 53 per cent, indicating a growing share of national talent in operations.