dnata starts operations at Concourse D in Dubai

With the much-anticipated opening of Concourse D in Dubai International’s Terminal 1, dnata has also begun its operations at the new concourse. Marking the opening of the concourse was the arrival of its first flight, British Airways BA105 from London Heathrow (LHR), which arrived at 07:35 on February 24.

Global air services provider dnata will handle all flights and baggage at Concourse D, as well as all passengers transiting though this new part of Terminal 1. From the new concourse, dnata will serve passengers from more than 70 airlines, departing or arriving in Dubai, or in transit en route to their final destination. Concourse D has the capacity to serve 18 million passengers every year.

Approximately 3,000 dnata staff have been assigned to the new facility, working in various capacities from check-in, special handling, airside operations and marhaba.

“We are excited to be a part of this milestone in Dubai International’s history. Our team is ready to face the challenge to ensure each passenger and piece of baggage arrives seamlessly in Concourse D,” said Jon Conway, Divisional Senior Vice President. “From aircraft appearance, baggage and passenger handling, ramp services, and cargo, every person plays an integral part in making sure that operations run efficiently in the new concourse. Our ultimate goal is to ensure our customer airlines and their passengers enjoy a smooth travel experience.”

During the first 24 hours of operation at the new Concourse D with just two airlines having moved to the new facility,  dnata staff handled six flight turnarounds, 1050 passengers, and 1,755 piece of  baggage. Over the course of 2016 with over 70 airlines moving to the new concourse, dnata will cater to: 

-Over 115,400 flights

-16 million passengers

-25 million items of baggage

-408,273 tonnes of cargo

-250,000 Meet & Assist customers

-300,000 guests at the marhaba Concourse D lounge

Concourse D is 972 metres long and has 32 gates, including 21 contact gates and 11 remote gates. A new concept that allows for a level of flexibility in gate capacity has been introduced in Concourse D – Multiple Arrival Receiving Stands (MARS). While most stands can accommodate wide body aircraft, there are gates that can accommodate two smaller aircraft simultaneously, allowing for greater efficiency of space and staff utilisation. dnata teams have worked closely with Dubai Airports, airlines and other stakeholders to successfully develop safe procedures for operating the new concourse, enabling all involved to benefit from the new airport facilities.

In addition to its ground handling services, dnata will also provide meet-and-assist and lounge services for passengers at Concourse D. marhaba’s new flagship lounge in the concourse will offer customers a variety of new services and features such as bedrooms and a mini theatre. This year, the company expects to welcome over 250,000 people with marhaba’s meet and greet service and over 300,000 people in marhaba’s lounge in Concourse D.