dnata has launched operations at Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI), supporting the opening of Australia’s newest international aviation gateway with ground handling, inflight catering and passenger hospitality services.

The global air and travel services provider played a key role in the airport’s historic opening, delivering inflight catering for its inaugural domestic flight on 25 October and ground handling services for its first international flight on 26 October.

The company will also operate The Rayleigh Lounge, the airport’s first international passenger lounge, as it establishes a long-term presence at the new aviation hub.

dnata is investing in dedicated cargo and catering facilities at WSI, with the cargo terminal expected to begin operations in December 2026 and the catering centre scheduled to open in 2027.

Burt Sigsworth, Managing Director, dnata Airport Operations – Australia, said: “The opening of Western Sydney International marks an exciting new chapter for Australian aviation, and we're incredibly proud to have played a part in it from day one. Supporting the airport's first passenger flights is a significant achievement for our teams and the result of close collaboration with our airline partners and the wider airport community.

“We're building a long-term presence at WSI, investing in the infrastructure, technology and people needed to support its future growth. We’ll continue working with our partners to strengthen international connectivity, support Australian trade and create new opportunities for the Western Sydney community.”

As part of its expansion, dnata is investing approximately A$32 million in a purpose-built cargo terminal within the airport’s 24-hour Cargo Precinct.

The 5,000-square-metre facility is designed to handle up to 60,000 tonnes of cargo annually once fully operational. It will feature modern handling systems and specialised infrastructure for different types of freight, including temperature-sensitive shipments.

The development is expected to create approximately 50 direct jobs during its initial phase, with further employment opportunities anticipated as operations expand.

Catering investment to support airport growth

Through its Catering & Retail division, dnata is also developing a 3,250-square-metre inflight catering centre at WSI. Once operational, the facility will have the capacity to produce up to three million meals annually for domestic and international airlines and is expected to create more than 200 direct jobs over the next decade.

Until the new centre opens, dnata will serve airline customers at WSI from its existing catering facility at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport.

Gareth Rees, Regional Chief Executive Officer, dnata Catering & Retail – Australia and Southeast Asia, said: “There's something special about being part of an airport's very first passenger flights. We're delighted that our catering teams have helped bring this new gateway to life, and we're equally excited about the opportunity to grow alongside Western Sydney International.

“Our new catering facility represents a significant investment in the region and our future capabilities. We're combining modern infrastructure and operational expertise with a focus on quality, while looking to build strong relationships with local suppliers and producers. We're proud to contribute to the development of an aviation hub that will create new opportunities for Western Sydney.”

Passenger hospitality and regional employment

dnata will also operate The Rayleigh Lounge in the airport’s international terminal, offering a premium hospitality experience inspired by Western Sydney’s diverse communities and food culture. The lounge will feature a menu highlighting locally sourced ingredients and the region’s culinary diversity, with its first eligible passengers expected to be welcomed in November 2026.

The expansion builds on dnata’s established Australian operations, where the company employs approximately 8,000 people across ground handling, cargo, catering and airport hospitality services. Its teams support more than 107,000 aircraft movements and process around 300,000 tonnes of cargo annually, while its catering division produces and delivers more than 54 million meals each year.

Through its investments at WSI, dnata aims to expand operational capacity, strengthen international connectivity, create employment opportunities and contribute to Western Sydney’s economic development as the airport grows.-TradeArabia News Service