Dnata invests US$22.9M in new cargo facility at Western Sydney Airport

AUSTRALIA – Dnata, a leading air and travel services provider based in Dubai, has announced plans to establish a dedicated cargo terminal facility at Western Sydney International Airport.

This new facility strengthens connectivity between the Middle East and Australia by providing dedicated infrastructure for time-sensitive perishable goods, including meat, dairy, fruit, and vegetables.

Facility Specifications and Capacity

Dnata has set aside A$32 million (approx. US$22.88 million) for the key facility, which will handle up to 60,000 tonnes of cargo annually at maturity. The company will operate from a 5,000-square-metre warehouse within WSI’s 24-hour Cargo Precinct, with an additional 4,000 square metres of surrounding land.

The airport will deliver the site as a cold shell, with dnata undertaking a full operational fit-out, including critical infrastructure and the installation of a semi-motorized materials handling system.

Direct Statements from Leadership

“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,” remarked Burt Sigsworth, Managing Director of Dnata Airport Operations, Australia.

“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,” he stated.

Simon Hickey, Chief Executive Officer of WSI, said dnata was a terrific addition to the airport’s premier 24-hour Cargo Precinct and would provide cargo and ground handling services for both international and domestic airlines, boosting the nation’s critical supply chains.

“Our purpose-built 24-hour Cargo Precinct will increase Sydney’s air cargo capacity and provide dedicated access via the upgraded Northern Road with proximity to growing freight and logistics centres at Kemps Creek and the Aerotropolis,” he added.

What This Means for Fresh Produce Trade

Dnata has a long-established presence in Australia, operating across nine airports nationwide and providing cargo, ground handling, passenger services, and in-flight catering. The company supports more than 107,000 aircraft movements per year and processes around 300,000 tonnes of cargo across its Australian network.

Freighter operations are scheduled to commence in July 2026, ahead of the airport’s full passenger opening later this year.

For Middle Eastern food investors and exporters, the 24-hour cargo precinct provides dedicated access for time-sensitive shipments, reducing transit times and improving cold-chain integrity for perishable goods moving between Australia and Gulf markets.

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