The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has granted the country’s first regulatory approval for autonomous baggage handling vehicle trials at Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), in collaboration with Dubai Airports and ground handling provider dnata.
Autonomous trial begins
The new approval allows dnata to operate multiple autonomous baggage tractors under live airside conditions at DWC. The trial is intended to test the safety and efficiency of driverless vehicles in one of aviation’s most sensitive and high-pressure environments.
The vehicles will function within a regulatory and operational framework jointly developed by the GCAA, Dubai Airports, and dnata.
Innovation meets regulation
The GCAA said the move reflects its efforts to enable innovation while maintaining safety in the aviation sector.
“This approval represents a key milestone for aviation in the UAE and reflects our leadership’s vision to create a globally competitive, innovation-driven economy,” said Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA. “We are proud to support initiatives like this that keep the UAE at the forefront of smart mobility in aviation.”
Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director General for Aviation Safety Affairs at the GCAA, added, “Through our collaboration with dnata and Dubai Airports, we are establishing a framework that ensures both innovation and safety go hand-in-hand. This is not just a technical trial; it is a blueprint for the future of airside operations in the UAE.”
DWC as testing ground
DWC, with its projected annual capacity of 260 million passengers, was chosen as the location for the trial due to its role in the future of UAE aviation.
Omar Binadai, Chief Technology & Infrastructure Officer at Dubai Airports, said, “DWC presents a unique opportunity to support and scale next-generation solutions through close collaboration with partners like dnata and the GCAA.”
Jaffar Dawood, Divisional Senior Vice President for UAE Airport Operations at dnata, stated, “The introduction of autonomous vehicles into live baggage operations marks a significant milestone for both dnata and the wider industry. It reflects our ongoing commitment to embracing innovation and deploying the latest technology to enhance safety, efficiency and service quality.”
Shaping future operations
The trial is part of a wider initiative to modernise airport ground handling through automation and smart technology. Insights from this project are expected to support broader implementation of autonomous systems across UAE airports in the future.
The UAE joins a growing list of countries testing airside automation, setting a regulatory example for innovation-driven aviation without compromising safety.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
