dnata, a prominent provider of air and travel services, has recently unveiled an advanced centralized control room for screening at its cargo facility in Dubai International Airport (DXB). This initiative, developed in collaboration with Dubai Police, marks a significant step in the modernization of air cargo operations. The system integrates real-time automation with enhanced security measures, transforming the way the cargo is managed at one of the world’s busiest airports.

The centralized control room allows officers from Dubai Police to monitor and operate six X-ray screening machines from a single command center within dnata’s warehouse. Each machine is connected to One Cargo, dnata’s digital cargo management system, which streamlines essential business functions and operations. This integration not only facilitates immediate data sharing but also enhances workflow efficiencies and accelerates decision-making processes.

According to Guillaume Crozier, dnata’s chief cargo officer, this collaboration embodies the spirit of innovation and efficiency that Dubai aims to uphold. The previous system, which required cargo screening to take place across multiple locations, was less efficient and incurred higher resource costs. The new consolidated approach reduces screening times and improves processing capabilities by approximately 3% each year, significantly benefiting dnata’s operations.

Dnata serves over 120 airline clients, handling around 60,000 tonnes of cargo monthly at DXB. The company reported processing over 1 million tonnes of cargo between April 2024 and March 2025—the highest annual volume in its history—demonstrating a 30% increase compared to the previous year. This surge illustrates dnata’s growing role in facilitating global trade through efficient cargo solutions.

The newly implemented system minimizes manual operations and leverages advanced analytics to enhance efficiency, thereby cutting down unnecessary cargo handling and lowering fuel consumption in the facility. The control room, designed jointly by dnata and Dubai Police, features sophisticated monitoring and reporting tools, ensuring comprehensive traceability throughout the screening process. Crozier emphasized that the success of Dubai as a global trade hub relies heavily on the collaboration of public and private sectors, fostering trust and technology to optimize cargo operations.

Looking to the future, dnata plans to further innovate its cargo services by exploring the use of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for efficient shipment movement within warehouses. This initiative aims to decrease forklift traffic and improve storage capacity. Furthermore, the company is testing automated tools for dimensioning and optimizing load capacities, allowing for data-driven cargo management. Crozier acknowledged the crucial role of dnata’s team, stating that while technology plays a significant part, it is the people on the ground who ultimately drive this transformation for more secure and intelligent cargo management.