dnata deploys autonomous vehicles to boost ramp ops at DWC airport

dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider, has deployed a fleet of autonomous vehicles at Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International (DWC), introducing next-generation technology in ramp operations. The rollout marks a significant step in the automation of ground handling services, one of the aviation industry’s most labour and time-intensive areas, according to an official release from dnata.

dnata now operates six electric EZTow tractors, developed by TractEasy, at DWC. Traditionally, baggage is moved between the terminal and aircraft by human drivers working under strict time constraints. The new autonomous vehicles enhance efficiency by towing up to four baggage containers (ULDs) simultaneously at speeds of up to 15 km/h, following pre-defined routes.

With the new vehicles now in service and gradually integrated into daily operations, staff who previously operated baggage tractors can be redeployed to more complex, value-added roles, helping support faster aircraft turnarounds. Meanwhile, autonomous driving reduces the risk of human error, enhancing safety across airside operations, mentions the official release.

The AED 6 million (US$1.6 million) project deployment begins with Level 3 autonomy, which involves minimal human oversight. This will upgrade to Level 4 autonomy, defined by full self-driving capabilities in controlled environments, in early 2026.

“This is an important step forward for both dnata and the wider aviation industry,” says Jaffar Dawood, Divisional Senior Vice President for UAE Airport Operations at dnata.

“While autonomous vehicles have largely been limited to trials, this deployment brings the technology into regular, day-to-day operations. As global travel continues to rebound and operational demands increase, automation could be key to building smarter, safer, and more resilient infrastructure.”

The rollout comes after more than a year of collaboration between dnata, TractEasy, Dubai Airports, and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). Together, they have been developing a new regulatory framework for operating autonomous vehicles in airside environments, an area that remains largely unregulated globally.

Beyond its daily operations, dnata will use this deployment as a testbed to trial and refine various operating models for autonomous ground handling. The goal is to determine the most effective approach for broader implementation, particularly as DWC evolves into the world’s largest airport, with a projected capacity of up to 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo annually. The insights gathered will play a key role in shaping how automation is integrated into the future core operations of the airport, the release added.

“Autonomous GSE adoption is taking off,” says Rich Reno, CEO, TractEasy. “TractEasy is proud and excited to partner with an industry leader like dnata and blaze a safe and efficient autonomous trail for others to follow.”