dnata to invest A$32 million in WSI cargo terminal operations
The project is also expected to support activity across freight forwarding, logistics and ground handling services in Western Sydney.
dnata will invest about A$32 million to establish a cargo terminal at Western Sydney International Airport, marking an expansion of its operations in New South Wales and Australia’s aviation sector. The facility will be located within the airport’s 24-hour Cargo Precinct and is expected to support the region’s freight and supply chain requirements.
The company will operate from a 5,000 sqm warehouse, supported by an additional 4,000 sqm of surrounding land. The airport will deliver the site as a cold shell, while dnata will complete the operational fit-out, including infrastructure and a semi-motorised material handling system.
Around A$6 million from the total investment will be allocated to equipment and technology to support cargo operations, including handling of pharmaceuticals and time- and temperature-sensitive shipments. Freighter operations are scheduled to begin in July 2026, ahead of the airport’s full passenger operations later in the year.
At full capacity, the facility is expected to handle up to 60,000 tonnes of cargo annually. The development is projected to create about 50 direct jobs in its initial phase, with additional roles expected as volumes increase. The project is also expected to support activity across freight forwarding, logistics and ground handling services in Western Sydney.
Burt Sigsworth, Managing Director of dnata Airport Operations – Australia, said: “Our investment in Western Sydney International reflects strong confidence in the region’s long-term economic trajectory and the critical role air freight plays in supporting Australian trade.”
“By establishing a purpose-built cargo facility from day one, we are strengthening supply chain resilience, supporting local industry and creating skilled employment opportunities in one of the country’s fastest-growing economic corridors.”
The cargo infrastructure at Western Sydney International is expected to improve efficiency for airlines, freight forwarders and integrators, with a focus on time-sensitive and high-value shipments moving through New South Wales.
Simon Hickey, Chief Executive Officer of WSI said, “We’re thrilled to welcome dnata Cargo to WSI’s brand-new cargo hub, bringing its top-tier services for airlines and their customers and creating more meaningful job opportunities for workers across Greater Sydney.”
“Our purpose-built 24-hour Cargo Precinct will increase Sydney’s air cargo capacity and provide dedicated access via the upgraded Northern Road with close proximity to growing freight and logistics centres at Kemps Creek and the Aerotropolis.”
“Like everything at WSI, the Cargo Precinct is built for growth, and while we’re excited to open stage one and launch operations by the end of July, it also has capacity to expand significantly over the years ahead, in line with market demands.”
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the new operator would strengthen freight movement through the airport. “Western Sydney is the logistics heart of NSW, and our new airport will work hand in hand with other Australian Government investments, like the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal, to get goods off planes and across the country quickly and efficiently,” she said.
“This airport is built to grow, which will give Australian businesses the capacity and ability to grow alongside it.”
The Cargo Precinct will be able to service eight wide-body aircraft simultaneously and will open with capacity to handle at least 220,000 tonnes of freight annually. The dnata investment follows its earlier plan to develop an inflight catering facility at the same precinct, capable of producing up to three million meals per year.
dnata currently operates across nine airports in Australia, supporting more than 107,000 aircraft movements annually and handling around 300,000 tonnes of cargo across its network. The company employs about 8,000 people in the country and provides cargo, ground handling, passenger services and catering operations.
