As the global air cargo community gathers in Dubai for the World Cargo Symposium, dnata is drawing attention to significant infrastructure developments with three major cargo facilities set to open in 2025. The projects, located in the Netherlands, the UAE, and Iraq, represent a combined investment of more than US$110 million aimed at boosting the company’s cargo and logistics footprint worldwide.
Clive Sauvé-Hopkins, CEO of dnata’s Airport Operations, emphasized the strategic intent behind the investments: “As supply chains evolve and customer expectations shift, we’re focused on investing in infrastructure that’s fit for purpose today and adaptable for tomorrow. Our latest investments prioritise automation, scalability and energy efficiency, enabling us to support our customers more effectively in a fast-changing logistics environment.”
Each of the three new facilities is designed to reduce manual processes, enhance real-time tracking capabilities, and integrate scalable automation systems. The modular design approach will also allow for technology upgrades and operational flexibility over time. In line with dnata’s sustainability goals, the buildings will include features to improve energy efficiency and reduce their environmental footprint.
At Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, dnata is constructing a state-of-the-art, 61,000 m² automated cargo hub—dnata Cargo City Amsterdam—with a price tag of over $70 million. Set to begin operations in July 2025, the facility will have the capacity to handle over 850,000 tonnes of cargo each year. Key features will include a forklift guidance system for optimal cargo placement and comprehensive weight and dimension checks for every shipment.
In Iraq, dnata’s $15 million investment will result in a new 20,000 m² facility in Erbil, scheduled to go live in July 2025. The expansion will triple dnata’s local handling capacity, enabling the facility to manage up to 66,000 tonnes of cargo annually.
Meanwhile, in the UAE, dnata Logistics is developing a 57,000 m² cargo facility at Dubai South, supported by a $27 million investment. Expected to be operational by the end of 2025, the centre will feature a fully temperature-controlled warehouse with advanced racking systems and optimized loading zones, allowing it to process up to 400,000 tonnes of cargo each year.
These strategic expansions underscore dnata’s commitment to future-ready infrastructure and a greener, more efficient global supply chain.
