dnata has committed $32 million to develop a new cargo terminal at Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI), signalling a major boost for NSW air freight capacity ahead of the airport’s launch later this year.
The global air and travel services provider will establish a purpose-built facility within WSI’s 24-hour Cargo Precinct, designed to handle up to 60,000 tonnes of cargo annually once fully operational.
Set to begin freighter operations in July 2026, the facility will come online ahead of the airport’s passenger services, positioning Western Sydney as a key hub in Australia’s freight network from day one.
The development will see dnata operate from a 5,000sqm warehouse supported by an additional 4,000sqm of surrounding land. While the airport will deliver the site as a cold shell, dnata will complete the full fit-out, including critical infrastructure and a semi-motorised materials handling system.
Around A$6 million of the total investment will be directed towards specialised equipment and technology, enabling the facility to handle time- and temperature-sensitive shipments such as pharmaceuticals, alongside general cargo.
dnata Airport Operations Australia managing director Burt Sigsworth said the investment reflected confidence in Western Sydney’s growth trajectory and the importance of air freight to the national economy.
“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,” he said.
“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 facility is expected to create around 50 direct jobs in its initial phase, with further employment opportunities anticipated as cargo volumes increase. Broader economic benefits are also forecast across freight forwarding, logistics and ground handling sectors in Western Sydney.
WSI CEO Simon Hickey welcomed dnata to the airport’s growing cargo precinct, highlighting its role in strengthening supply chains and airline services.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
WSI is built to grow
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the investment would help connect Western Sydney to global markets while boosting domestic freight efficiency.
“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,” she said.
“This airport is built to grow, which will give Australian businesses the capacity and ability to grow alongside it.”
WSI’s Cargo Precinct is expected to handle at least 220,000 tonnes of freight annually at launch and will be capable of servicing up to eight wide-body aircraft simultaneously.
The announcement builds on dnata’s earlier commitment to develop an advanced inflight catering centre at WSI, capable of producing up to three million meals annually for airline partners operating at Australia’s first 24-hour airport.
dnata currently operates across nine airports in Australia, supporting more than 107,000 aircraft movements each year and processing around 300,000 tonnes of cargo nationally, alongside producing over 54 million inflight meals.
dnata is owned by The Emirates Group, parent company of Emirates airline which is owned by the Investment Corporation of Dubai — the Government of Dubai’s sovereign wealth fund.
