Dnata’s Innovative Cargo Screening Hub: A New Era at Dubai International Airport
Introduction of a Centralized Control Room
In a significant advancement for air cargo operations, dnata, a prominent global air and travel services provider, has launched a centralized screening control room at Dubai International Airport (DXB). This modern facility, created in collaboration with Dubai Police, represents a pivotal development in the digital transformation of cargo handling, bringing real-time automation and enhanced security measures into play.
How the New System Works
The core of this new operation lies in a high-tech command center, from which Dubai Police officers can remotely manage and monitor six state-of-the-art X-ray screening machines located within dnata’s cargo warehouse. Each of these machines is seamlessly integrated with dnata’s digital management system, One Cargo. This integration facilitates automatic data sharing, smooth workflow processes, and quicker decision-making, thus introducing a new level of efficiency in cargo operations.
Guillaume Crozier, dnata’s Chief Cargo Officer, emphasizes the project’s significance: “This initiative is a key milestone in dnata’s journey towards smarter, more efficient cargo handling. Through our collaboration with Dubai Police, we have established a model that not only enhances security but also reflects Dubai’s commitment to innovation.”
Enhanced Efficiency and Security
Prior to the establishment of this centralized control room, cargo screening took place across various warehouse locations, leading to increased resource consumption and inefficiencies. With the new hub, in-house processes are consolidated, resulting in reduced screening times and an estimated 3 percent annual improvement in throughput.
At DXB, dnata serves over 120 airline customers and processes an average of 60,000 tonnes of cargo monthly. In a remarkable progression, between April 2024 and March 2025, dnata handled over 1 million tonnes of cargo—the highest annual volume to date, marking a year-on-year growth of around 30 percent. This uptick signifies the expanding logistics sector in Dubai, driven by rising e-commerce demand and the city’s strategic position as a global transit hub.
Streamlined Operations
The recent developments not only simplify manual processes but also pave the way for advanced analytics and optimized resource usage. By minimizing unnecessary cargo movements, dnata effectively reduces fuel consumption within the facility, leading to a more sustainable operational model.
Collaborative Design and Functionality
The centralized control room was a joint effort by dnata and Dubai Police, designed to support both primary and secondary command functions. It boasts advanced monitoring interfaces, real-time imaging, and automated reporting tools, ensuring traceability throughout the screening process. Crozier remarked on the importance of this partnership: “Dubai’s success as a global logistics hub stems from a shared commitment between public and private sectors. This collaboration with Dubai Police reflects that spirit—utilizing technology and trust to foster a robust cargo ecosystem.”
Innovation in Cargo Handling
This control room is part of a larger initiative by dnata to modernize cargo operations through innovative use of technology, data, and design thinking. The company is also experimenting with autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for safe and efficient shipment movement, which reduces reliance on forklifts and enhances warehouse space utilization.
Furthermore, dnata is testing automated dimensioning and load optimization tools to accurately capture the size and weight of every shipment. This technology enables better utilization of Unit Load Devices (ULDs), minimizes waste, and promotes data-driven cargo flow planning.
Crozier emphasizes the pivotal role of personnel in this transformation: “Behind every piece of technology we adopt are the dedicated teams who make it work. Our ground teams are the real driving force behind this change, using new tools to handle cargo in a more secure and intelligent manner than ever before.”
By embracing such innovations, dnata continues to redefine the standards for cargo handling in one of the world’s busiest airports, ensuring that both efficiency and security remain top priorities in their operations.
