dnata unveils new animal handling centre at Schiphol Airport

This development comes amid growing demand for quality animal transport. In 2024 alone, nearly 200,000 live animal shipments were recorded globally, marking an 11% increase since 2019. At Schiphol Airport specifically, dnata handled 22,500 separate shipments last year.

Jan van Anrooy, Managing Director of dnata Netherlands, commented: “Our new animal handling centre is built entirely around animal wellbeing. From calm surroundings to expert care, every detail supports a safe and comfortable journey. We’ll continue working closely with our partners to raise the bar for live animal logistics in Amsterdam and beyond.”

The new facility complements dnata's existing Animal Care & Inspection Centre at Brussels Airport and reinforces its leadership in specialist cargo handling within the Benelux region.

As part of dnata Cargo City Amsterdam—one of the world’s largest and most advanced facilities—the fully automated hub will open this July. It covers 61,000 square meters and can process over 850,000 tonnes of cargo annually. This includes pharmaceuticals, perishables, dangerous goods, aircraft engines, and vehicles.

Currently providing ground handling and cargo services to 25 airlines in Amsterdam with over 1,000 trained professionals on staff, dnata handles more than 550,000 tonnes of cargo annually.