Rome/Milan, Italy, March 31, 2026: dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider, has completed the integration of its Italian ground handling business into its global organisation, with all activities now operating under the dnata brand.

This milestone follows dnata’s full acquisition of its Italian ground services subsidiary, previously operating as Airport Handling, after progressively increasing its shareholding in recent years.

Strengthening presence in Rome and Milan

The integration builds on a series of recent developments that reinforce dnata’s long-term commitment to the Italian aviation market. In 2025, Airport Handling began operations at Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), extending dnata’s ground handling footprint beyond Milan’s Malpensa (MXP) and Linate (LIN) airports and nearly doubling its operations across Italy.

Most recently, dnata announced a €25 million investment to scale up cargo capacity in Milan through the development of an advanced new facility at Malpensa Airport. The project will create additional capacity for customers and support growth across Italy’s logistics ecosystem.

From strategic investment to full ownership

“This milestone reflects our long-term confidence in the Italian aviation sector,” said Clive Sauvé-Hopkins, dnata’s CEO – Airport Operations.

“From our beginnings in Dubai to our growing presence across Europe, dnata has consistently focused on delivering globally aligned services while maintaining a strong local approach. As demand continues to rise, we are investing in capacity, technology and talent to remain a trusted partner to airlines operating in Milan, Rome and beyond.”

dnata first entered Italy through a strategic investment in Airport Handling S.p.A., gradually increasing its stake to 70% before assuming full ownership in 2025. The completed integration positions Italy firmly within dnata’s network, enabling closer alignment with global systems, governance and operational processes.

A major European operation

dnata’s ground handling operations in Italy represent one of its largest presences in Europe. Its team supports around 150,000 flights annually and serves over 60 airline customers.

dnata’s Catering & Retail division also maintains a strong national presence, producing more than 7 million meals each year at 11 airports across Italy.

As a major employer, dnata currently employs over 5,000 people in Italy, contributing significantly to local economies. The upcoming Milan cargo facility will create an additional more than 150 new jobs with the company.

Part of a broader global expansion

Founded in Dubai in 1959, dnata has grown from a local provider into one of the world’s leading air and travel services companies. Today, dnata delivers air and travel servces at more than 120 airports worldwide.

Across Europe, dnata continues to strengthen its capabilities through targeted investment in major aviation hubs. Recent developments include advanced cargo infrastructure projects in Amsterdam and Zurich, expanding capacity and supporting increasing market demand. Combined with its growing presence in Italy, these initiatives reflect a coordinated strategy to build scale, resilience and service consistency across Europe’s key gateways.

Italy now represents a strategic pillar within dnata’s broader international expansion-underlining the company’s commitment to high-growth aviation markets and its focus on exporting operational expertise and service excellence developed in its home base.