emirates7 - Emirates has set a new standard in baggage handling, averaging 100,000 bags processed daily between April 2024 and March 2025. Throughout this 12-month period—the busiest on record for its baggage operations—the airline moved over 2.8 million bags each month through its Dubai hub.
This volume reflects a 3.7% year-over-year increase, driven by rising international travel and higher global demand for air transportation.
Operating out of one of the busiest airports worldwide and servicing 140 destinations, Emirates achieved a 99.9% success rate in baggage delivery—meaning nearly all bags reached their destinations on time and undamaged. The mishandling rate at Dubai International Airport (DXB) was 1.4 per 1,000 bags, including those that were delayed, temporarily misplaced, or lost.
Emirates noted that most delayed baggage was returned to passengers within 72 hours, which is particularly commendable given the complexities of international transfers that often involve multiple stops and handovers.
Challenges with untagged luggage
One ongoing challenge is dealing with bags that arrive without readable tags. Of the 2.8 million monthly bags, approximately 2,300 fall into this category. Emirates and dnata teams successfully reunited around 80% of these with passengers before departure.
To enhance customer service and transparency, Emirates introduced a new digital tool in 2024 called "Emirates Bag Connect." Available on the airline’s app and website, it provides real-time baggage tracking across 80 airports worldwide, including updates on mishandled luggage.
At Terminal 3 of Dubai International, Emirates also achieved a 94% recovery rate for misplaced valuables—such as wallets and passports—within 60 minutes, thanks to a dedicated Lost and Found unit.
The airline’s baggage system relies on a combination of technologies, including Dubai Airport’s Baggage Handling System, dnata’s Baggage Reconciliation System, and Emirates’ proprietary tracking tools. These systems work together to oversee baggage movement from check-in to aircraft loading. Nonetheless, occasional delays can occur due to issues such as damaged tags, mechanical malfunctions on conveyor belts, or disruptions to connecting flights.
This volume reflects a 3.7% year-over-year increase, driven by rising international travel and higher global demand for air transportation.
Operating out of one of the busiest airports worldwide and servicing 140 destinations, Emirates achieved a 99.9% success rate in baggage delivery—meaning nearly all bags reached their destinations on time and undamaged. The mishandling rate at Dubai International Airport (DXB) was 1.4 per 1,000 bags, including those that were delayed, temporarily misplaced, or lost.
Emirates noted that most delayed baggage was returned to passengers within 72 hours, which is particularly commendable given the complexities of international transfers that often involve multiple stops and handovers.
Challenges with untagged luggage
One ongoing challenge is dealing with bags that arrive without readable tags. Of the 2.8 million monthly bags, approximately 2,300 fall into this category. Emirates and dnata teams successfully reunited around 80% of these with passengers before departure.
To enhance customer service and transparency, Emirates introduced a new digital tool in 2024 called "Emirates Bag Connect." Available on the airline’s app and website, it provides real-time baggage tracking across 80 airports worldwide, including updates on mishandled luggage.
At Terminal 3 of Dubai International, Emirates also achieved a 94% recovery rate for misplaced valuables—such as wallets and passports—within 60 minutes, thanks to a dedicated Lost and Found unit.
The airline’s baggage system relies on a combination of technologies, including Dubai Airport’s Baggage Handling System, dnata’s Baggage Reconciliation System, and Emirates’ proprietary tracking tools. These systems work together to oversee baggage movement from check-in to aircraft loading. Nonetheless, occasional delays can occur due to issues such as damaged tags, mechanical malfunctions on conveyor belts, or disruptions to connecting flights.