Emirates has recorded its highest-ever baggage handling volumes, processing over 2.8 million bags each month between April 2024 and March 2025. The daily average stood at 100,000 bags, with luggage moving through Dubai to 140 destinations worldwide. This represents a 3.7% increase compared to the previous year.
High success rate maintained
Despite the growing volumes, Emirates maintained a 99.9% baggage handling success rate at its Dubai hub. The airline reported a mishandling rate of just 1.4 per 1,000 bags — significantly lower than many global peers.
According to the airline, 91% of delayed baggage is reunited with its owner within 72 hours. Emirates primarily manages international and transfer baggage, making its performance particularly notable due to the complexity of such operations.
Lost and found efficiency
The airline also reported strong performance in its Lost and Found operations. In Dubai, 94% of valuable items left on aircraft or within Terminal 3 were recovered and returned to passengers within 60 minutes. These typically include essential items such as passports, wallets, and phones.
In 2024, Emirates introduced a new digital service called Emirates Bag Connect, available via its mobile app and website. The platform offers real-time tracking of baggage status and mishandled bag delivery. The tracking feature is now active at 80 stations across the airline’s global network.
At the Dubai hub, around 2,300 bags arrive monthly without tags. Emirates and dnata teams recover and reassign 80% of these before flight departure, minimizing disruption to passengers.
Advanced systems and training
Emirates credits its performance to dedicated systems and ongoing investments in baggage handling technology. This includes a combination of the Dubai Airport Baggage Handling System, dnata’s Baggage Reconciliation System, and the Emirates Bag Connect platform.
The airline’s luggage process involves multiple steps—from check-in to aircraft loading—and uses security scanning, containerization, and automated tracking. Emirates staff, including ground handlers, undergo regular training both virtually and in person to maintain operational standards.
The airline emphasized that its coordination with dnata and Dubai Airports plays a key role in managing baggage efficiently at one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
