Singapore Airlines shifts import cargo handling from dnata to Swissport at AMS

Singapore Airlines has moved its import cargo handling operations at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport from dnata to Swissport, effective August 6, 2025, amid ongoing disruptions at dnata’s newly opened automated cargo terminal.

Earlier this week, The STAT Trade Times had reported the serious operational challenges at dnata’s new $70-million, fully automated, 61,000 m² cargo facility at the airport, which disrupted cargo flows and prompted customers to queue up at rival handlers Swissport, Menzies, and WFS.

Singapore Airlines is the first airline known to have shifted its cargo handling operations away from dnata at Amsterdam Schiphol in response to the ongoing disruptions.

In a customer advisory issued on Wednesday (August 6, 2025), the airline said the decision was made in response to “major disruptions beyond our control” caused by dnata’s transition to its new facility at AMS. The move has been made in agreement with all involved parties and will remain in effect “until further notice.”

“As you may know, our appointed ground handling partner, dnata, recently moved to a new facility. Unfortunately, the transition has caused major disruptions,” the airline noted. “We are doing everything we can to limit the operational impact and implement alternative solutions.”

Customers have been asked to collect import cargo from Swissport Schiphol from August 6 onward. The Notice of Arrival (NOA) will indicate the new location for pick-up, the airline said.

Singapore Airlines also extended an apology for the inconvenience caused and thanked its customers for their patience and continued partnership during what it called a “very challenging time.”

The STAT Trade Times reached out to dnata, Singapore Airlines and Swissport for comment. However, no response was received at the time of publishing this report.