why start it in the first place? Did their ops department really get the demand that wrong.
Have we considered the possibility that launching / attempting a direct service from MAN may have been part of the original deal with MAG / Airport City? Such things can be included in deals which contain certain guarantees in return for concessions on charges.
Having said that, I have no idea what specific contractual terms were agreed between MAG and DHL in this particular case. I'm just pointing out that certain specified commitments from both parties are commonplace in deals of this sort.