Expansion of dnata Cargo Operations at Zurich Airport: A Strategic Move in Air Logistics
Zurich, Switzerland – March 12, 2026 — dnata, a prominent global air services provider, is poised to enhance its cargo operations at Zurich Airport with the construction of a cutting-edge cargo facility, expected to commence operations in early 2027. This significant initiative marks a pivotal development in Switzerland’s air freight landscape, promising to bolster the airport’s logistics capabilities and meet the growing demands of the industry.
The forthcoming dnata Cargo Centre is set to increase the company’s annual cargo handling capacity by an impressive 50 percent, elevating it from 60,000 tonnes to 90,000 tonnes. This expansion not only signifies dnata’s commitment to operational excellence but also underscores the sustained growth in air freight volumes at Zurich Airport, where the company processed approximately 56,000 tonnes of cargo in 2025, representing nearly a 4 percent increase year-on-year.
One of the key motivations behind this investment is the need to replace the outdated Fracht West warehouse, which has served its purpose since the 1960s. As air cargo demands evolve, so too must the infrastructure supporting it. The existing facility has reached its operational limits and is no longer conducive to contemporary cargo handling operations. The new cargo centre will feature 8,330 square meters of warehouse space, approximately 7,580 square meters of which will be dedicated to indoor cargo operations, alongside 4,600 square meters of covered outdoor handling space. This expansive footprint will vastly improve the processing efficiency of incoming and outgoing shipments, ensuring dnata remains at the forefront of cargo handling practice.
The investment for the new infrastructure is substantial, with Zurich Airport contributing over CHF 40 million toward the construction, while dnata is set to invest approximately CHF 6 million on equipping the facility with state-of-the-art technology. A standout feature will be the installation of a modern Unit Load Device (ULD) material handling system strategically designed to optimize cargo processing and enhance overall operational efficiency.
In a landscape where timely and safe cargo handling is paramount, part of the new centre will be specifically designed for the pharmaceutical sector. The facility will include a 1,000-square-meter area dedicated to handling temperature-sensitive shipments, compliant with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) regulations. This specialized space will maintain specific temperature zones between 2–8°C and 15–25°C to ensure the integrity of medical and pharmaceutical products during transport.
To provide enhanced service reliability, the cargo centre’s layout will include two dedicated truck docks for ULD handling and 18 dock levellers, improving landside access and facilitating quicker turnaround times. The expanded storage capacity will empower dnata to manage higher cargo volumes while adhering to stringent operational standards, thereby solidifying its reputation as a leader in air logistics.
The transition from the old warehouse to the new cargo centre will be conducted through a meticulously planned phased approach, aiming to uphold uninterrupted service delivery. This includes an early access phase for dnata to install specialized equipment, followed by a gradual relocation of staff and operational functions.
The Zurich Airport project is just one facet of dnata’s broader strategy to enhance cargo infrastructure across its global network. Recent openings of new cargo facilities in cities such as Amsterdam, coupled with ongoing developments in Milan, Dubai, and Erbil, reflect dnata’s commitment to creating scalable and modern operations in key international logistics hubs.
In Switzerland, dnata provides both ground handling and cargo services at Zurich Airport and Geneva Airport, serving a clientele of over 40 airlines with around 1,300 staff members. Globally, dnata is a major player at more than 90 airports across 16 countries, having handled over 794,000 aircraft movements and transported approximately 3.1 million tonnes of cargo in the 2024–2025 financial year.
The establishment of the new dnata Cargo Centre at Zurich Airport not only represents a significant investment in the future of air logistics but also enhances Switzerland’s position as a central hub for international trade and commerce. As the demand for efficient cargo solutions continues to rise, projects like these are critical for maintaining the integrity and reliability of global supply chains.
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