dnata Allocates €25M for Advanced Cargo Hub in Milan

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Milan, Italy – dnata, a worldwide leader in air and travel services, has revealed an ambitious €25 million investment to construct a state-of-the-art cargo facility at Milan Malpensa Airport via its local subsidiary, Airport Handling.

The upcoming facility will cover 10,000 square meters in the Cargo City section, aimed at processing over 100,000 tonnes of cargo each year. It will cater to a diverse array of goods, such as perishables, pharmaceuticals, hazardous materials, live animals, aircraft engines, and vehicles.

This initiative follows a competitive bidding process by SEA Group, the management body for Linate and Malpensa airports, and is anticipated to generate 200 local jobs, cementing Milan’s status as a pivotal European logistics hub.

Sustainability at the Core

The new facility incorporates eco-friendly design and energy-efficient innovations. Solar panels will harness renewable energy, high-efficiency LED lighting alongside superior thermal insulation will curtail energy consumption, and natural light will be thoughtfully incorporated within the warehouse and office areas. Furthermore, the infrastructure is set to facilitate low-emission ground operations, reflecting dnata’s dedication to sustainable development.

Enhancing Italy’s Cargo Operations

With this expansion, Airport Handling aims to establish itself as a fully comprehensive ground services provider in Milan. Already, the company aids over 60 airlines and manages 80,000 flights annually at both of Milan's airports; its recent foray into Rome's Fiumicino Airport illustrates its broadening footprint across Italy.

dnata's international cargo operations span 90 airports in 16 countries, processing 3.1 million tonnes of cargo in FY 2024–25, representing a 9% increase from the prior year. The Milan hub is in alignment with dnata's overarching strategy to invest in high-growth regions and cutting-edge infrastructure to accommodate the surging demand for global e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and perishable goods.

This innovative cargo hub is slated to commence operations in September 2027, poised to be a pivotal component of Milan’s logistics network.