dnata is expanding its global footprint with an A$32 million investment to establish a dedicated cargo terminal at Western Sydney International Airport, reinforcing its long-term commitment to Australia’s aviation and logistics sector.
The new facility will be located within the airport’s 24-hour Cargo Precinct at Western Sydney International Airport and will include a 5,000-square-meter warehouse supported by an additional 4,000 square meters of surrounding operational space.
dnata will undertake a full fit-out of the site, equipping it with advanced infrastructure and a semi-automated materials-handling system to support efficient, scalable cargo operations. Around A$6 million of the total investment will be directed towards specialized equipment and technology, including systems designed to handle sensitive shipments such as pharmaceuticals and temperature-controlled goods.
Freighter operations are expected to begin in July 2026, ahead of the airport’s full passenger launch later in the year.
Once fully operational, the facility is projected to handle up to 60,000 tonnes of cargo annually, significantly boosting freight capacity in New South Wales, a key hub in Australia’s air cargo network.
The development is also expected to generate employment, with around 50 direct jobs created in the initial phase and additional roles anticipated as operations scale. The broader economic impact is likely to extend across logistics, freight forwarding, and supply chain services in Western Sydney.
“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,” said Burt Sigsworth, Managing Director of dnata Airport Operations – Australia.
Airport officials also highlighted the strategic importance of the project. Simon Hickey, CEO of Western Sydney International Airport, said dnata’s presence will enhance cargo and ground-handling capabilities for both domestic and international airlines, thereby strengthening Australia’s supply chains.
The cargo precinct has been designed with future expansion in mind, offering capacity to scale operations in line with growing demand, while benefiting from strong connectivity to key logistics hubs such as Kemps Creek and the Aerotropolis.
The investment aligns with broader government efforts to position Western Sydney as a logistics powerhouse. Federal Minister Catherine King noted that the facility will improve the efficiency of freight movement and support Australian businesses by enhancing connectivity to global markets.
dnata already operates across nine airports in Australia, handling over 107,000 aircraft movements annually, processing approximately 300,000 tonnes of cargo, and delivering more than 54 million in-flight meals each year.
The latest expansion underscores dnata’s strategy of investing in high-growth aviation markets and strengthening global cargo infrastructure to support rising trade flows.
With inputs from WAM
