Dubai Airport (DXB) is set to roll out a new feature that allows passengers to check in their baggage from anywhere within the UAE. To enhance the passenger experience, the airport aims to check in 25% of luggage off-site.
Ciaran O’Sullivan, DVP Airline Services UAE Airport Operations at Dnata, shared during a panel at The Airport Show that they anticipate handling over 100 million bags this year. “If 20% of those are checked in off-site, it will greatly improve customer service,” he said. 
Dubai Airport is partnering with Dubz, a baggage collection and delivery service launched in 2016. Dubz, which was acquired by Dnata after winning a travel incubator program co-founded by Emirates, GE, and Dubai Tourism, allows passengers to check in their bags and receive their boarding passes from their homes or hotels.
“We need to scale up to bring the price down,” said O’Sullivan. The partnership could include collaborations with the RTA, metro systems, hotels, and other businesses.
John Dyett, Vice President of Baggage Service Delivery at DXB, emphasized the importance of proper baggage handling in shaping passenger perceptions. “Baggage handling is a critical part of how passengers view the airport,” he said. DXB handles up to 300,000 bags on busy days.
AI technology is being used at airports to improve baggage handling. Dr. Heba Kurdi from MIT highlighted the use of AI-powered systems like semi-smart sorting and digital twins to test real-world operations.
Amel Chadli, president of Gulf Countries at Schneider Electric, praised Dubai Airport’s vision. He believes off-terminal check-in will reduce congestion, improve efficiency, and enhance the overall passenger experience.
