dnata investing CHF 6 million in a modern cargo handling infrastructure
(IN SHORT) dnata is expanding its cargo operations at Zurich Airport with a new purpose-built cargo centre scheduled to open in early 2027. The facility will increase the company’s annual cargo handling capacity by 50 percent, from 60,000 to 90,000 tonnes, and will replace the ageing Fracht West warehouse originally built in the 1960s. Developed in partnership with Zurich Airport, which is investing more than CHF 40 million in the project, the new centre will feature advanced cargo handling infrastructure, dedicated pharmaceutical handling areas and improved truck access. The expansion forms part of dnata’s wider investment strategy to strengthen cargo infrastructure across major international logistics hubs.
(PRESS RELEASE) ZURICH, Switzerland, 2026-Mar-12 — /Travel PR News/ — dnata, a global air services provider, is expanding its cargo operations at Zurich Airport with the construction of a new purpose-built cargo centre designed to support long-term growth, improve operational efficiency and enhance service reliability for airline customers and logistics partners in Switzerland.
The development follows continued strength in air freight volumes at the airport. In 2025, dnata handled approximately 56,000 tonnes of cargo in Zurich, representing a year-on-year increase of nearly 4 percent and highlighting sustained demand for high-quality cargo handling services.
Strategic investment to support future growth
The new dnata Cargo Centre is currently under construction and forms part of the company’s long-term investment strategy in Zurich. The facility is expected to become operational in early 2027.
Once completed, the new infrastructure will significantly expand dnata’s capabilities at the airport. Annual cargo handling capacity will increase by 50 percent, rising from 60,000 tonnes to 90,000 tonnes per year.
The cargo centre will include 8,330 square metres of warehouse space, with 7,580 square metres dedicated to indoor cargo handling operations. In addition, the facility will provide 4,600 square metres of covered outdoor handling space, enabling efficient processing of shipments under various operational conditions.
The new facility will replace the existing Fracht West warehouse, originally constructed in the 1960s, which has reached its operational limits and no longer meets the requirements of modern cargo handling operations.
The project is being developed by Zurich Airport, which is investing more than CHF 40 million in the construction of the building infrastructure. dnata will contribute approximately CHF 6 million to equip the facility, including the installation of a modern ULD material handling system designed to optimise cargo processing and operational performance.
Infrastructure designed for specialised cargo and operational efficiency
The cargo centre has been designed to support efficient cargo flows, improved safety and future scalability. Its layout will include two dedicated truck docks for ULD handling and 18 dock levellers, improving landside access and enabling faster turnaround for trucks delivering and collecting shipments.
The facility will also increase storage capacity, allowing dnata to manage higher cargo volumes more effectively while maintaining strict operational standards.
A key feature of the new centre will be a 1,000-square-metre pharmaceutical handling area, designed to support GDP-compliant cargo operations. This specialised space will include temperature-controlled zones for both 2–8°C and 15–25°C shipments, ensuring the safe handling of sensitive medical and pharmaceutical products.
The installation of an advanced ULD material handling system will streamline cargo movement within the warehouse, improving throughput and providing greater operational control. In addition, the building will include modern office spaces that allow closer collaboration between operational teams and administrative staff.
Carefully managed transition to ensure uninterrupted service
The relocation to the new cargo centre will be implemented through a phased transition plan designed to maintain uninterrupted service throughout the process.
dnata will first gain early access to the site to install specialised handling infrastructure and operational equipment. This will be followed by the gradual handover of warehouse and office areas and the progressive relocation of staff and operations. The full transfer of cargo-handling activities from the current Fracht West facility will take place once the new centre is fully prepared for operations.
New cargo centre will offer handling capacity of up to 90,000 tonnes annually
Part of a wider global cargo infrastructure expansion
The Zurich project is part of dnata’s broader strategy to strengthen cargo infrastructure across its global network. The company has recently opened a new cargo facility in Amsterdam and is currently developing additional cargo centres in Milan, Dubai and Erbil.
These investments reflect dnata’s focus on creating scalable, modern cargo operations in key international logistics hubs.
dnata operations in Switzerland
In Switzerland, dnata operates both ground handling and cargo services at Zurich Airport (ZRH) and Geneva Airport (GVA). Across these two locations, the company serves more than 40 airline customers and employs approximately 1,300 staff.
Globally, dnata provides ground handling and cargo services at more than 90 airports across 16 countries. During the 2024–2025 financial year, the company handled more than 794,000 aircraft movements and transported 3.1 million tonnes of cargo.
Media contact:
dnata Public Relations
public.relations@dnata.com
SOURCE: dnata
