dnata to boost Zurich Airport cargo capacity by 50% with new facility
A new cargo centre, opening in early 2027, will boost the company's annual handling capacity at the Swiss hub by 50%, from 60,000 to 90,000 tonnes.
Global air services provider dnata has announced an expansion of its cargo operations at Zurich Airport. A new, purpose-built cargo centre, scheduled to open in early 2027, is set to increase the company's annual handling capacity at the Swiss hub by 50%, jumping from 60,000 to 90,000 tonnes.
According to the press release, Zurich Airport is dedicating more than CHF 40 million toward the building's infrastructure, while dnata is committing approximately CHF 6 million to equip the site. This includes the installation of a modern unit load device (ULD) material handling system designed to improve operational efficiency and service reliability.
The new facility is tailored to meet rising market demands for both general cargo and highly specialized products, particularly pharmaceuticals.
"Cargo operations at Zurich have evolved significantly over the past decade, with higher volumes, tighter turnaround expectations and a growing share of specialised shipments," said Willy Ruf, Managing Director of dnata Switzerland.
"This new facility allows us to rethink how cargo flows through the airport, from landside access to warehouse handling, in a way that better reflects how the market actually operates today," he further added.
Construction on the new dnata Cargo Centre is currently well advanced. To prevent supply chain disruptions, dnata is executing a carefully managed, phased relocation from its existing Fracht West facility.
Teams are being granted early site access to install specialised infrastructure, which will be followed by a staged handover of warehouse and office spaces prior to the full transfer of handling activities.
The Zurich expansion highlights dnata’s ongoing strategy to invest in scalable, future-ready cargo infrastructure across its global network. The company recently opened a new cargo centre in Amsterdam, with additional facility developments planned or already underway in major logistics hubs including Milan, Dubai, and Erbil.