Autonomous luggage transportation trial given green light in Dubai World Central by GCAA, marking UAE's first step in implementing self-navigating baggage vehicles.
In a significant stride towards future airside automation, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Dubai Airports, and dnata have joined forces to trial autonomous baggage handling vehicles at Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International (DWC). This trial marks the nation's first regulatory approval for such trials and is expected to have a broad impact on airports across the UAE.
The trial, costing Dh6 million ($1.6 million), involves deploying six self-driving electric baggage tractors—the EZTow model vehicles developed by TractEasy—under live airside conditions. These vehicles can tow up to four baggage containers each at speeds of 15 km/h, operating with Level 3 autonomy (minimal human oversight) and aiming for Level 4 full self-driving capability by early 2026.
The initiative is designed to test autonomous mobility in the dynamic, time-sensitive environment of airport ground handling, with the ultimate goal of enhancing operational efficiency and safety. By allowing staff to be reassigned to more complex tasks, the trial also supports faster turnaround times and reduces the risk of human error on the airside.
Insights from the trial will inform future expansions and the broader integration of automation across UAE airports, positioning DWC—which is projected to handle up to 260 million passengers annually—as a leading hub for smart airport operations. The trial sets a regulatory precedent balancing innovation and safety, helping the UAE join a growing list of countries adopting smart automation in aviation ground handling.
The trial at DWC is seen as a blueprint for future airside automation, not only improving efficiency, safety, and service quality across UAE airports but also advancing smart mobility solutions in aviation beyond DWC. This initiative is aligned with the UAE's vision to lead in technology-driven aviation and improve airport operations.
References:
[1] GCAA Press Release. (2022). GCAA Grants First Regulatory Approval for Trial of Autonomous Baggage Handling Vehicles at Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International. [Online]. Available: https://www.gcaa.gov.ae/en/media-centre/press-releases/gcaa-grants-first-regulatory-approval-for-trial-of-autonomous-baggage-handling-vehicles-at-dubai-world-central-al-maktoum-international
[2] Dubai Airports Press Release. (2022). Dubai Airports and dnata Launch Autonomous Baggage Handling Trial at DWC. [Online]. Available: https://www.dubaiairports.ae/en/media-centre/press-releases/dubai-airports-and-dnata-launch-autonomous-baggage-handling-trial-at-dwc
[3] TractEasy Press Release. (2022). TractEasy's Autonomous Baggage Handling Vehicles to be Trialled at Dubai World Central. [Online]. Available: https://www.tracteasy.com/press-releases/tracteasys-autonomous-baggage-handling-vehicles-to-be-trialled-at-dubai-world-central
[4] Khaleej Times. (2022). UAE's First Autonomous Baggage Handling Vehicle Trial Launched at Dubai World Central. [Online]. Available: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/transport/uaes-first-autonomous-baggage-handling-vehicle-trial-launched-at-dubai-world-central
The trial of autonomous baggage handling vehicles at Dubai World Central (DWC) is viewed as a pivotal step towards future airside automation, aligning with the UAE's vision to lead in technology-driven aviation. This collaboration between the GCAA, Dubai Airports, and dnata involves testing autonomous mobility in airport ground handling, aiming to improve operational efficiency, safety, and service quality. The trial will also shed light on the integration of automation across UAE airports, setting a regulatory precedent that balances innovation and safety in smart airport operations.
