The UAE has taken a major step toward transforming its aviation sector with the launch of the country’s first trial of autonomous baggage handling vehicles at Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has granted regulatory approval for dnata, in collaboration with Dubai Airports, to test multiple autonomous baggage tractors in live,
In a landmark move toward modernising airport infrastructure, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has granted its first-ever regulatory approval for the trial of autonomous baggage handling vehicles at Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
The approval, developed in partnership with Dubai Airports and dnata, marks a pivotal step in integrating autonomous technology into live airside operations. The trial allows dnata to deploy and test multiple autonomous baggage tractors in real-time, under operational airport conditions, making DWC the first in the region to pilot such advanced systems.
“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 that position the UAE at the forefront of smart mobility in aviation.”
The trial, overseen within a controlled regulatory framework, aims to assess the performance, safety, and integration of self-driving vehicles in one of the most demanding environments in aviation — ground handling. It is part of a broader national effort to automate and future-proof airport operations.
“This is not just a technical trial; it is a blueprint for the future of airside operations in the UAE,” added Aqeel Al Zarouni, assistant director general of the GCAA’s Aviation Safety Affairs Sector. “A clear, robust, and forward-looking regulatory approach is essential to enabling innovation without compromising safety.”
Dubai Airports echoed the sentiment, highlighting the alignment of the trial with DWC’s strategic growth ambitions. “DWC presents a unique opportunity to scale next-generation solutions,” said Omar Binadai, chief technology and infrastructure officer at Dubai Airports. “As we look ahead, initiatives like this are integral to building a future-ready airport system.”
dnata, a global air services provider, emphasized the operational advantages of adopting autonomous systems. “The introduction of autonomous vehicles into live baggage operations marks a significant milestone for both dnata and the wider aviation industry,” said Jaffar Dawood, dnata’s DSVP for UAE Airport Operations. “It demonstrates our commitment to enhancing efficiency, safety, and service quality.”
The initiative is part of an ongoing collaboration between dnata and the GCAA to integrate intelligent automation into airport services. DWC, designed to eventually handle up to 260 million passengers annually, offers a scalable environment ideal for testing and deploying cutting-edge technologies.
Findings from the trial will inform future autonomous vehicle rollouts across the UAE’s airports, shaping national standards and accelerating the shift toward smart, sustainable aviation infrastructure.
