dnata plans new A$32m cargo facility at Western Sydney International Airport
Global air and travel service provider dnata is to invest approximately A$32 million in a new dedicated cargo terminal at Western Sydney International Airport (WSI), strengthening its presence in New South Wales (NSW) and supporting future air freight growth in the region.
The global air and travel services provider will operate from a 5,000 sqm warehouse within WSI’s 24-hour Cargo Precinct, supported by a further 4,000 sqm of surrounding land.
WSI will deliver the site as a cold shell, with dnata undertaking the full operational fit-out. This will include critical infrastructure and the installation of a semi-motorised materials handling system.
Around A$6 million of the investment will be allocated to specialised equipment and technology, supporting scalable and efficient cargo operations. The facility will also be equipped to handle specialised cargo, including pharmaceuticals and other time- and temperature-sensitive shipments.
Freighter operations are scheduled to begin in July 2026, ahead of the airport’s full passenger opening later in the year.
At maturity, the facility is expected to handle up to 60,000 tonnes of cargo annually. It is also projected to create around 50 direct jobs in its initial phase, with further roles expected as volumes grow.
Burt Sigsworth, managing director of dnata airport operations Australia, said: “Our investment in WSI 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.”
The development is expected to improve efficiency for airlines, freight forwarders and integrators, while enhancing connectivity for time-sensitive and high-value goods moving through NSW.
Simon Hickey, chief executive officer of WSI, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome dnata Cargo to WSI’s brand-new cargo hub, bringing its top-tier services for airlines and their customers and creating more meaningful job opportunities for workers across Greater Sydney.
“Our purpose-built 24-hour Cargo Precinct will increase Sydney’s air cargo capacity and provide dedicated access via the upgraded Northern Road with close proximity to growing freight and logistics centres at Kemps Creek and the Aerotropolis.
“Like everything at WSI, the Cargo Precinct is built for growth, and while we’re excited to open stage one and launch operations by the end of July, it also has capacity to expand significantly over the years ahead, in line with market demands.”
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said: “Western Sydney is the logistics heart of NSW, and our new airport will work hand in hand with other Australian Government investments, like the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal, to get goods off planes and across the country quickly and efficiently.
“This airport is built to grow, which will give Australian businesses the capacity and ability to grow alongside it.”
WSI’s Cargo Precinct will be capable of servicing eight widebody aircraft at one time and will open with capacity to handle at least 220,000 tonnes of freight a year.