dnata to unveil new cargo facilities worth over $110 million in 2025

With the air cargo industry convening in Dubai for the World Cargo Symposium, dnata has unveiled plans to launch three major cargo infrastructure projects across Europe and the Middle East by 2025, with a combined investment exceeding US$ 110 million. These projects form part of dnata’s long-term strategy to strengthen its global cargo and logistics operations through enhanced automation, scalability, and energy-efficient solutions.

In the Netherlands, dnata is investing over US$ 70 million in a state-of-the-art 61,000 m² facility at Schiphol Airport. Set to open in July 2025, dnata Cargo City Amsterdam will have the capacity to process more than 850,000 tonnes of cargo annually. The facility will be equipped with advanced technologies, including automated storage and retrieval systems, automated guided vehicles, and smart gates for 3D cargo scanning. A forklift guidance system and dnata’s Cargo Control Centre will provide full air waybill control and real-time operational coordination.

In Iraq, dnata is developing a 20,000 m² cargo centre in Erbil through a US$ 15 million investment. Expected to be operational in July 2025, the new facility will triple dnata’s regional handling capacity to 66,000 tonnes per year. It will be powered by dnata’s OneCargo system, a cloud-based digital platform designed to automate safety, quality, and unit load device (ULD) management, as well as other business and operational functions.

In the UAE, dnata is building a 57,000 m² temperature-controlled cargo facility at Dubai South, backed by a US$ 27 million investment. Slated for completion by the end of 2025, the warehouse will be capable of handling up to 400,000 tonnes of cargo annually. It will feature a mix of narrow and wide aisle racking systems, along with dedicated zones for truck loading and offloading to maximise efficiency.

Clive Sauvé-Hopkins, dnata’s CEO – Airport Operations, emphasised that these developments reflect dnata’s commitment to building infrastructure that meets current needs while remaining adaptable for future demands. He highlighted the company’s focus on automation, data-driven systems, and sustainability to support evolving supply chains and shifting customer expectations. According to him, the new projects will enhance operational performance, improve traceability, and increase resource efficiency—key pillars of dnata’s vision for a resilient and high-quality global cargo service.

dnata executives will participate in key sessions at the IATA World Cargo Symposium, contributing to discussions on innovation, digital infrastructure, and improving operational and environmental efficiency in the cargo sector.