dnata, a Dubai-based global air and travel services provider, will invest approximately $20.8 million (AUD 32 million) to establish a dedicated cargo terminal at the Western Sydney International Airport (WSI), strengthening its long-term commitment to the New South Wales market and Australia’s aviation sector.
The facility will be located within WSI’s 24-hour Cargo Precinct, with dnata operating from a 5,000 sqm warehouse supported by an additional 4,000 sqm of surrounding land. The airport will deliver the site as a cold shell, while dnata will undertake a full operational fit-out, including critical infrastructure and a semi-motorized materials handling system.
Around $3.9 million (AUD 6 million) of the total investment will be allocated to specialized equipment and technology to support scalable and efficient cargo operations. The facility will be equipped to handle specialized shipments, including pharmaceuticals and other time- and temperature-sensitive goods.
Freighter operations are scheduled to begin in July 2026, ahead of the airport’s full passenger launch later in the year. At full capacity, the terminal is expected to handle up to 60,000 tonnes of cargo annually, boosting freight capacity in New South Wales, a key hub in Australia’s air cargo network.
The project is set to create around 50 direct jobs in its initial phase, with further employment opportunities expected as operations expand. Additional economic benefits are anticipated across freight forwarding, logistics, ground handling and supply chain services in Western Sydney.
Cargo infrastructure at WSI
The development of dedicated cargo infrastructure at WSI is expected to improve operational efficiency for airlines, freight forwarders and integrators, while also enhancing seamless connectivity for time-sensitive, high-value and temperature-sensitive goods moving through domestic and international supply chains.
Burt Sigsworth MD – dnata Airport Operations – Australia
“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. 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.”
Simon Hickey, Chief Executive Officer of WSI, said dnata’s addition to the airport’s cargo precinct would support both international and domestic airlines while strengthening national supply chains. He added that the company’s entry into the airport’s cargo hub would bring high-quality services for airlines and their customers, while also generating more employment opportunities across Greater Sydney.
The WSI CEO pointed out that the purpose-built 24-hour Cargo Precinct is set to increase Sydney’s air cargo capacity and provide dedicated access via the upgraded Northern Road, with close proximity to expanding freight and logistics hubs at Kemps Creek and the Aerotropolis. Hickey further said the precinct has been designed for long-term growth, with stage one operations expected to launch by the end of July and significant capacity for future expansion in line with market demand.
Image credits: Dubai Media Office | Cropped by GBN
Catherine King, Australia’s Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, said the new facility would strengthen freight connectivity, noting Western Sydney’s role as the logistics hub of New South Wales. She added that the airport will integrate with key government-backed projects, including the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal, to enable faster and more efficient movement of goods nationwide, while its scalable design will support the growth of Australian businesses.
dnata (Dubai National Air Travel Agency) currently operates across nine airports in Australia, providing cargo, ground handling, passenger services and inflight catering. The company supports more than 107,000 aircraft movements annually, processes around 300,000 tonnes of cargo and delivers over 54 million inflight meals each year through its catering division.
