TNT Express has opened a new 2,500sqm air cargo handling facility at Dubai International Airport during a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports.

The new facility to process additional volumes of cargo with the benefit of close on site cooperation with both Dubai Police and Customs authorities. The opening is part of TNT's expansion in the Middle East, centred around its regional headquarters in Dubai, UAE.

"TNT's volumes on our freight network between Europe and the UAE have grown by over 30% in 2010 and the timing of expanding the hub was to allow us to further support and accelerate volume growth," said Bryan Moulds, regional managing director for TNT Middle East.

"This is a complementary step in enhancing our connectivity in the Middle East, alongside investment in enhanced handling facilities in Dubai, Jebel Ali and our Middle East Road Network."