Dubai International Airport (DXB) is pushing forward with plans to check in 25% of passenger baggage outside the airport, a move set to significantly reduce congestion and enhance customer service.
The ambitious goal follows a panel discussion at The Airport Show, where airport officials outlined their strategy to improve baggage handling through off-site check-in services.
Ciaran O'Sullivan, DVP of Airline Services at Dnata, revealed that DXB handles an estimated 24 million bags this quarter, with projections to exceed 100 million bags this year.
"If 20% of these bags could be checked in off-site, the impact on the customer experience would be tenfold,"
he said. The airport is keen to expand its partnership with Dubz, a baggage collection and delivery service, to make this possible. Launched in 2016, Dubz allows travelers to check in their luggage and receive boarding passes from their homes or hotels.
Currently, Dubz caters to thousands of customers annually, but O'Sullivan highlighted the need for scaling the service to make it more affordable. By collaborating with entities such as the RTA, metro system, hotels, and holiday companies, DXB aims to broaden its reach and streamline operations.
John Dyett, Vice President of Baggage Service Delivery at DXB, emphasized the importance of efficient baggage handling in shaping passengers' perceptions of the airport. With an average of 250,000 bags processed daily, improving speed and reducing mishandling is critical.
Experts at the event, including Dr. Heba Kurdi from MIT, also discussed how AI is being leveraged globally to enhance baggage management. Dubai Airport’s initiative, praised for its forward-thinking approach, aims to alleviate terminal congestion and boost overall efficiency.
News Source: Khaleej Times
