Emirates handles 100,000 bags every day in Dubai - a new record

Dubai: Emirates set a new benchmark in baggage handling, processing an average of 100,000 bags per day between April 2024 and March 2025. The airline moved more than 2.8 million bags monthly through its Dubai hub—marking the busiest 12-month period for its baggage operations to date.

The record represents a 3.7% increase in baggage volume compared to the previous year, driven by a rise in international passenger traffic and growing global travel demand.

Operating from one of the world’s busiest airports and serving 140 destinations, Emirates reported a 99.9% baggage handling success rate during the year. This figure reflects the percentage of bags that reached their destinations on time and intact—a rate that places the airline among the most efficient globally. The rate of baggage mishandling, defined as bags that were delayed, misplaced, or temporarily lost, stood at 1.4 per 1,000 bags at Dubai International Airport (DXB).

According to the airline, most delayed bags were reunited with their owners within 72 hours. This is notable given Emirates' focus on international and transfer baggage, which typically involves longer routes and multiple airport handovers.

An additional challenge for the baggage handling team involves untagged luggage. Out of the 2.8 million bags handled each month, an estimated 2,300 arrive without readable baggage tags. Emirates and dnata teams reported recovering about 80% of these bags and reuniting them with their owners before departure.

To improve transparency and customer experience, the airline expanded its baggage tracking capabilities in 2024 by launching “Emirates Bag Connect,” a digital service on its app and website. The tool allows passengers to track their bags in real-time across 80 airports globally, including the status of any mishandled items.

At Dubai International’s Terminal 3, Emirates also reported recovering 94% of misplaced valuable items—such as passports and wallets—within 60 minutes, supported by a dedicated Lost and Found team.

The airline’s baggage operations are underpinned by a suite of integrated systems. These include Dubai Airport’s Baggage Handling System, dnata’s Baggage Reconciliation System, and Emirates’ own tracking technologies, which collectively manage the movement of baggage from check-in to aircraft loading. Occasionally, delays stem from factors such as torn tags, mechanical issues on baggage belts, or disruptions to connecting flights.