dnata, the Dubai-based air and travel services group, has switched on a new Cargo Integrated Command Centre (CICC) at Dubai International Airport (DXB), consolidating oversight of its cargo handling across the UAE's two main gateways. The facility gives controllers near real-time visibility into operations, with key data points refreshing every ten seconds, covering the more than one million tonnes of freight dnata moved in its last financial year.
The command centre links operations at DXB and Dubai World Central (DWC), allowing dnata to anticipate demand, allocate equipment and staff, and react quickly to disruptions. The move comes as Dubai cements its status as a leading air cargo hub, with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reporting record air cargo demand globally in 2025.
Centralised visibility across two airports
At the heart of the CICC is dnata's operational dashboard, which pulls data from its One Cargo management system and its Appointment and Dock Management platform. That integration gives supervisors a single view of lorry movements, warehouse activity and landside flows, helping them spot bottlenecks and coordinate responses across both DXB and DWC.
“Our enhanced cargo command centre is part of our ambition to continuously evolve our operating model and infrastructure to strengthen Dubai's position as a leading global logistics hub,” said Nabil Sultan Al Murr, Group CEO of dnata.
The CICC is the latest in a series of technology investments by dnata, which has also deployed autonomous drones for warehouse inventory checks and operates a centralised cargo screening control room. The centre is designed to scale as dnata expands its cargo footprint and takes on more complex operations across the UAE.
Industry observers note that the move aligns with broader trends in airport operations, where terminals are shifting from transit machines to human-centred spaces, and data-driven command centres are becoming essential for managing growing freight volumes.
dnata's cargo arm competes with other major ground handlers in the region, and the new command centre is expected to improve turnaround times for airlines using its facilities. The company has not disclosed the investment value, but the technology stack is intended to support future growth in e-commerce and time-sensitive shipments.
The launch also comes as Dubai's property market sees off-plan sales hit 75%, reflecting broader economic momentum that is boosting trade and logistics activity.
For airlines and freight forwarders, the CICC means more predictable handling at two of the region's busiest cargo airports. dnata says the centre will enable faster decision-making and better coordination with customs and other stakeholders, reducing dwell times for cargo.
With air cargo demand at record levels, the investment positions dnata to capture a larger share of the growing market. The company's focus on technology and centralisation mirrors similar moves by other handlers, but the scale of the Dubai operation—spanning two major airports—makes it a notable benchmark.
As Dubai continues to attract additional freighter capacity, dnata's command centre will be critical in managing the increased throughput. The group says it remains committed to investing in infrastructure that supports the UAE's vision of becoming a top-five global logistics hub.
