Netherlands Strengthens European Aviation as dnata Secures Landmark Seven-Year Amsterdam Schiphol Licence in a Major Win for Global Airlines

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June 30, 2026 5:26 PM

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dnata has reinforced its long-term commitment to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol after securing a new seven-year ground handling licence following a competitive public tender. The renewed mandate strengthens the company’s position at one of Europe’s busiest aviation hubs, ensuring that passenger, baggage, ramp and cargo operations will continue under dnata’s management as Schiphol enters its next phase of airport operations.

The latest agreement represents an important milestone for dnata Netherlands, allowing the global air and travel services provider to expand its operational footprint while continuing to support airlines, passengers and cargo customers across one of Europe’s most strategically important airports. Backed by substantial infrastructure investment, a skilled workforce and an established operational network, the company remains positioned to contribute significantly to the future development of aviation services in the Netherlands.

dnata Retains Its Position at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

A significant operational milestone has been achieved through the successful renewal of dnata’s ground handling licence at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

Following a competitive selection process conducted by the airport operator, dnata has been awarded the right to continue delivering comprehensive ground handling services at Schiphol for the next seven years.

The renewed licence enables uninterrupted support for airlines operating through one of Europe’s most important aviation gateways while allowing Schiphol to move confidently into the next phase of its long-term ground handling strategy.

The outcome also reflects continued confidence in dnata’s operational capabilities, safety standards and service quality developed throughout more than a decade of operations in Amsterdam.

More Than Ten Years of Aviation Service in Amsterdam

dnata has established a strong operational presence at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol over the past decade.

Throughout this period, comprehensive aviation support has been delivered to an extensive portfolio of international passenger and cargo airlines together with specialist aviation operators.

The company’s services extend across every major aspect of airport ground operations, including passenger assistance, baggage management, aircraft ramp services and cargo handling.

Today, more than twenty passenger and cargo airlines continue receiving operational support through dnata’s Amsterdam team.

This long-standing presence has enabled strong relationships to be developed with airline partners while contributing to the efficient functioning of one of Europe’s busiest international airports.

Large Workforce Supports Daily Airport Operations

A highly experienced workforce continues serving as the foundation of dnata’s Amsterdam operations.

More than 1,200 employees currently support daily aviation activities throughout Schiphol Airport, delivering operational services across multiple business areas.

Each year, the local workforce contributes to the handling of approximately 16,000 aircraft movements while processing around 500,000 tonnes of cargo.

These figures illustrate the scale of dnata’s responsibilities within the airport’s wider operational ecosystem.

The company’s extensive workforce also enables flexible service delivery capable of supporting both scheduled passenger airlines and specialised cargo operators throughout the year.

Seven-Year Licence Creates Long-Term Stability

The newly secured operating licence provides long-term certainty for both dnata and its airline customers.

With operations now confirmed for the next seven years, greater opportunities become available for continued investment, strategic planning and service development across Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

The agreement also provides a stable framework for strengthening existing customer relationships while creating opportunities to attract additional airline partnerships in the years ahead.

Close collaboration will continue between dnata, Schiphol Airport, airline operators, employee representatives, trade unions and wider industry stakeholders as the airport transitions into the new licence period.

This coordinated approach is expected to support operational continuity while maintaining consistently high service standards.

Continued Investment Strengthens Dutch Operations

The renewed mandate further highlights dnata’s long-term commitment to both Amsterdam and the wider Netherlands.

Significant investment has already been directed towards strengthening local infrastructure, operational capabilities and workforce development.

One of the company’s most important investments remains dnata Cargo City Amsterdam, recognised as one of the largest cargo handling facilities of its kind.

The facility has been developed through an investment valued at approximately €70 million while providing annual cargo handling capacity of 600,000 tonnes.

This modern logistics centre forms an important part of dnata’s broader long-term strategy within Schiphol while supporting increasing cargo demand across European aviation markets.

Operational Excellence Remains a Strategic Priority

Beyond physical infrastructure, continued emphasis has also been placed on operational quality and long-term sustainability.

Investment continues across several important operational areas, including advanced ground support equipment, environmental management programmes and service excellence initiatives.

Customer partnerships remain another central priority as dnata works closely with airlines to deliver reliable operational performance across passenger and cargo services.

The renewed licence provides additional opportunities to further strengthen these collaborative relationships while introducing operational improvements throughout the coming years.

Through ongoing investment in technology, equipment and employee development, dnata aims to maintain consistently high standards across every stage of airport ground handling.

Amsterdam Strengthens dnata’s European Aviation Network

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol continues serving as one of the most strategically important locations within dnata’s wider European network.

The airport’s role as a major international hub allows the company to support extensive passenger and cargo operations connecting destinations across Europe and the rest of the world.

Operations throughout the Netherlands combine local expertise with the resources, systems and operational standards associated with a global aviation services organisation.

This balanced approach enables dnata to respond effectively to local operational requirements while maintaining internationally consistent service quality across its worldwide network.

The continued presence at Schiphol therefore strengthens both regional operations and the company’s broader European growth strategy.

A Global Aviation Services Leader

The renewed Amsterdam licence also reflects dnata’s significant international scale.

Globally, the company provides aviation-related services across thirty-seven countries spanning six continents.

Its operations include ground handling, cargo logistics, travel services, airline catering and airport retail activities.

During the 2025-26 financial year, dnata’s customer-focused teams supported 888,793 aircraft turns while moving approximately 3.2 million tonnes of cargo across its worldwide network.

These figures demonstrate the company’s extensive international capabilities while reinforcing its position among the world’s leading aviation service providers.

Experience gained across global operations continues supporting local service delivery through shared expertise, operational consistency and internationally recognised safety standards.

Schiphol Partnership Supports Future Aviation Growth

The extension of dnata’s operating licence represents more than a contractual renewal.

It reinforces a long-standing partnership with Amsterdam Airport Schiphol while providing a strong platform for continued operational development throughout the next seven years.

As European aviation continues evolving through changing passenger expectations, cargo demand and sustainability priorities, reliable ground handling services remain fundamental to efficient airport performance.

Through continued collaboration with Schiphol, airline customers and industry partners, dnata is expected to remain an important contributor to the airport’s future success.

Supported by substantial infrastructure investment, experienced personnel and an extensive international network, the company enters its new licence period with strong foundations for further growth while continuing to deliver safe, reliable and high-quality aviation services across one of Europe’s most important airport hubs.