Dubai-headquartered dnata breaks ground on $14m cargo warehouse in Erbil, Iraq

Dubai-headquartered air and travel services provider dnata has broken ground on its new 20,000 square-metre cargo warehouse, which will add significant expansion to its operations at Erbil International Airport (EBL).

The facility represents an investment of $14m and will create up to 50 additional, direct jobs with dnata in Iraq.

dnata’s SVP for UAE and Iraq Airport Operations, Jaffar Dawood, said: “We are delighted to expand our operations in response to the growing demand for our reliable and safe cargo services in Erbil.

“Our new facility will incorporate cutting-edge technologies and the latest carbon reduction initiatives in design and operation, ensuring the highest level of operational and environmental efficiency for our customers. We stay committed to the Iraqi aviation industry and continue to invest in our operations to contribute to the development of Erbil as a regional cargo hub.”

dnata’s newest cargo facility will be capable of processing 100,000 tonnes of cargo annually, including perishables, pharmaceuticals and dangerous goods.

The air and travel services provider will also implement its advanced ‘OneCargo’ system within the facility, digitising processes and maximising efficiencies across its cargo operations in Iraq.

The facility will be equipped with thermal insulation to reduce the building’s environmental impact by maintaining low CO2 manufacturing emissions and operating costs. Additional, environmentally sustainable features include a water harvesting system, which recycles condensed water, low energy skylighting, and an all-electric forklift fleet.

dnata’s latest expansion follows the opening of a new, advanced cool chain facility and a bus maintenance facility in 2022 at EBL.