GCAA Approves UAE’s First Autonomous Baggage Vehicle Trial
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), in partnership with dnata and Dubai Airports, has approved the country’s first-ever trial of autonomous baggage handling vehicles. This pilot will be conducted at Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC), marking a significant move toward smarter aviation solutions.
The approval aligns with the GCAA’s mission to support a safe and innovation-driven sector. It also advances dnata’s goal of integrating autonomous technology into ground operations. As part of the trial, multiple autonomous baggage tractors will operate in live airside conditions—one of the most demanding environments in aviation.
Notably, the GCAA and dnata have developed a joint framework that governs the trial’s operations. This structure not only ensures compliance but also allows for real-world testing without sacrificing safety. As a result, the UAE joins a select group of countries exploring automation in ramp services.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA, said the approval marks a critical advancement in the country’s aviation landscape.
“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. As regulators, we see ourselves as enablers, working to create an environment where cutting-edge technologies can thrive without compromising on safety.”
Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director General of the Aviation Safety Affairs Sector at the GCAA, emphasized the importance of balancing innovation with robust regulation.
DWC Becomes Testbed for Smart Airport Solutions
Dubai World Central is set to lead the charge in next-generation airport operations. Omar Binadai, Chief Technology & Infrastructure Officer of Dubai Airports, commented, “DWC presents a unique opportunity to support and scale next-generation solutions. This trial reflects how we are enabling innovation that enhances operational excellence and guest experience, while laying the groundwork for a more responsive and efficient airside environment.”
He further noted that the initiative aligns with the oneDXB vision, which aims to strengthen collaborative innovation as the airport prepares for future growth.
Additionally, the trial fits well with DWC’s long-term goals. The airport is designed to eventually accommodate up to 260 million passengers annually, making it an ideal environment to test new technologies under pressure.
dnata Leads Shift Toward Automation in Ground Handling
Jaffar Dawood, Divisional Senior Vice President for UAE Airport Operations at dnata, described the move as a significant industry leap.
“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 across our operations.”
This effort is part of a wider strategy to modernise UAE airport infrastructure. By piloting new systems now, the partners are paving the way for smarter, more efficient airport operations in the future. Moreover, insights from this trial will inform the next phase of automation across airports nationwide, reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in smart aviation.
