As the global air cargo industry gathers in Dubai for the IATA World Cargo Symposium, leading ground services provider dnata has announced a strategic investment of over US$110 million in three major cargo infrastructure projects across Europe and the Middle East. The initiative signals dnata’s continued commitment to expanding its global footprint and modernising cargo handling through automation, digitalisation, and sustainability.
Ambitious Global Expansion
The three projects — located in Amsterdam, Erbil, and Dubai South — are slated for completion by the end of 2025, reinforcing dnata’s long-term vision for efficient, future-proof cargo operations.
- Netherlands: dnata will invest more than US$70 million in dnata Cargo City Amsterdam, a 61,000-square-metre facility at Schiphol Airport. Scheduled to open in July 2025, the cutting-edge terminal will process up to 850,000 tonnes of cargo annually and will integrate advanced systems such as automated storage and retrieval, automated guided vehicles, 3D smart scanning gates, and a Cargo Control Centre for real-time air waybill oversight.
- Iraq: In Erbil, dnata is developing a 20,000-square-metre facility via a US$15 million investment, expected to triple the company’s cargo handling capacity in the region to 66,000 tonnes per year. Powered by dnata’s OneCargo, a cloud-based digital logistics platform, the centre will automate safety protocols, ULD management, and operational workflows.
- UAE: At Dubai South, dnata is constructing a 57,000-square-metre temperature-controlled warehouse, backed by a US$27 million investment. With a capacity of 400,000 tonnes per year, the facility will feature a high-density racking system and dedicated loading zones to streamline cold chain logistics and enhance cargo flow efficiency.
Leadership Perspective
Clive Sauvé-Hopkins, CEO of dnata Airport Operations, emphasised the strategic importance of these projects:
“These investments are a direct response to our customers’ needs and the demands of evolving global supply chains. By focusing on automation, data intelligence, and energy efficiency, we are building cargo infrastructure that not only meets today’s requirements but is also adaptable for tomorrow.”
He added that the projects aim to improve operational performance, traceability, and resource optimisation, forming the backbone of dnata’s vision for resilient, high-quality logistics services worldwide.
Thought Leadership at the Symposium
dnata executives will play an active role in the World Cargo Symposium, contributing to panel discussions on digital infrastructure, sustainability, and innovative cargo operations. The event, which draws key industry players from across the globe, serves as a platform to shape the future of air cargo in a world of rapidly shifting logistics and consumer demands.
