UAE Approves First Trial of Autonomous Baggage Vehicles at Dubai World Central

The UAE has taken a major step toward transforming airport operations with the country’s first regulatory approval to trial autonomous baggage handling vehicles at Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). The announcement, made by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and reported by state news agency WAM, signals a pivotal moment in the nation’s strategy to integrate smart mobility into its aviation sector.

Developed in collaboration with Dubai Airports and dnata, the new regulatory framework allows for live testing of multiple self-driving baggage tractors under real-time airside conditions. The trial aims to modernise one of the most dynamic aspects of airport logistics—ground handling—while ensuring safety and efficiency.

“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.”

The autonomous tractors will be operated by dnata within a controlled testing environment established jointly with the GCAA and Dubai Airports. Officials say this initiative is not only a technical milestone but also a roadmap for integrating automation into future airside operations across the country.

“This is not just a technical trial; it is a blueprint for the future of airside operations in the UAE,” said Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director General of the Aviation Safety Affairs Sector at the GCAA. “A clear, robust, and forward-looking regulatory approach is essential to enabling innovation without compromising safety.”

The trial also supports the long-term development plans for DWC, which is poised to become a global aviation hub with an eventual passenger capacity of 260 million annually.

“DWC presents a unique opportunity to support and scale next-generation solutions,” said Omar Binadai, Chief Technology and Infrastructure Officer at Dubai Airports. “As we plan for the next phase of aviation growth, such initiatives will play a significant role in shaping an airport system designed for the future.”

Jaffar Dawood, DSVP for UAE Airport Operations at dnata, said the project reflects the company’s commitment to operational excellence. “The introduction of autonomous vehicles into live baggage operations marks a significant milestone for both dnata and the wider industry,” he said.

The results of the trial are expected to guide future implementation of autonomous systems at airports throughout the UAE, supporting the country’s broader ambitions to lead in smart infrastructure and aviation innovation.