Dnata

What Dnata does

Dnata is a Dubai-based global air and travel services provider founded in 1959 and wholly owned by Emirates Group (which is itself owned by Investment Corporation of Dubai, a sovereign wealth fund). The company operates across 174 airports in 35 countries on six continents, serving 347 airline partnerships through four core divisions: Airport Operations (ground handling, cargo handling, premium services via the marhaba brand, and private aviation), Catering & Retail (inflight catering, onboard retail programme management, and VIP catering), Travel Services (B2B corporate travel management, B2C leisure, and destination management under brands including Gold Medal, Travelbag, and Arabian Adventures), and Cargo Logistics (dnata logistics, Calogi e-freight portal, and Cargo Partners GSSA). Dnata handled 888,793 aircraft turns (up 12% YoY), 3.2 million tonnes of cargo, and uplifted 115.3 million meals in FY 2025-26, and employs 51,000+ people globally.

Dnata's core technology stack combines proprietary digital platforms with deployed automation. The OneCargo digital cargo management system automates business and operational workflows and integrates with Dubai Police remote X-ray screening; Calogi is the B2B/B2C e-commerce portal for paperless cargo booking, tracking, and slot management. On the physical side, six TractEasy EZTow autonomous electric baggage tractors operate at Level 3 autonomy at Dubai World Central with Level 4 targeted for early 2026, and AI-enabled ground support equipment (800 new units in 2025, US$110 million) supports sustainability targets including 55% fleet electrification in the UK, Netherlands, and Italy. Gather AI computer vision enables warehouse inventory tracking above 99% accuracy, and a VR training programme won Digital Transformation Project of the Year (2025). Certifications span ISAGO, ISO 9001/14001/45001, IATA CEIV (Pharma, Fresh, Lithium, Animals), TAPA, GDP, and ISO 22000.

Revenue is generated primarily through B2B multi-year service contracts priced per aircraft turn, per tonne of cargo, or per meal uplifted, plus transaction-based commissions and service fees in the dnata Travel and marhaba segments. Travel services recorded Total Transaction Value of AED 10.1 billion (US$2.7 billion) in FY 2025-26. Reported group revenue of AED 23.6 billion (US$6.4 billion) was up 12% year-on-year, with international businesses contributing 77% of revenue; profit before tax reached AED 1.6 billion (US$437 million), up 2%, on a 6.8% PBT margin. Capital intensity is high: AED 858 million (US$234 million) was invested in facilities, equipment, and technology in FY 2025-26, supported by cash assets of AED 4.7 billion.

Name

Dnata

Legal name

dnata

Website

https://dnata.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1959

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Dnata is a Dubai-based, Emirates Group-owned air services provider operating across 174 airports in 35 countries, delivering ground handling, cargo, inflight catering, and travel services to 347 airline partnerships and global consumers with 51,000+ employees.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Airport Ground Handling and Aviation Services

NAICS

Air Transportation (481), Travel Agencies (561510)

SIC

Airports, Flying Fields & Airport Terminal Services (4581), Arrangement Of Transportation Of Freight & Cargo (4731)

akta.pro primary industry

General Cargo Air Freight Carriers (Scheduled & Charter) (TLADAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Belly-Cargo Operators (Passenger Airline Freight Divisions) (THABAEAE), Hazmat Air Cargo Transport (IATA DGR compliant) (TLADAIAH)

Keywords

• Airport ground handling
• Air cargo handling
• Inflight catering services
• Corporate travel management
• Freight forwarding logistics

Headquarters

HQ city

Dubai

HQ country

United Arab Emirates

HQ region

Middle East

Offices17 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Ground Handling Services: Aircraft turnaround, ramp services, load control, flight operations, security, and aircraft appearance services provided to airline customers at airports. Revenue generated through multi-year service contracts, typically priced per aircraft turn or as fixed fees under long-term agreements with airlines and airport operators.
2. Cargo Handling Services: Comprehensive cargo handling for passenger belly and freighter operations including warehousing, dangerous goods, perishables, live animals, express cargo, and specialised handling (pharmaceuticals, luxury automobiles). Revenue generated per tonne of cargo handled under multi-year contracts with airlines and freight forwarders.
3. Inflight Catering & Retail: Production and uplift of inflight meals for airline customers, onboard retail programme management, and VIP catering. Revenue from per-meal pricing under catering contracts plus retail stock management fees. In FY 2025-26, dnata uplifted 115.3 million meals globally.
4. Travel Services: B2B and B2C travel agency services including corporate travel management, leisure travel bookings, destination management, and General Sales Agent (GSA) representation for airlines. Revenue from transaction commissions, service fees, and markups on travel products sold. TTV of travel services was AED 10.1 billion in FY 2025-26.
5. Premium Services / marhaba: Airport hospitality services including Meet & Greet, lounge access, fast-track immigration, chauffeur services, Check In Anywhere, and Land & Leave. Revenue from per-service fees to individual travellers and premium passengers, as well as partnerships with credit card issuers.
6. Freight Forwarding & Logistics: dnata logistics provides international freight forwarding (air, sea, road), 3PL/4PL warehousing, customs brokerage, project cargo, event logistics, fine art handling, and commercial/private relocations under the dnata logistics brand.
7. GSSA Services (Cargo Partners): General Sales & Service Agent services acting as single point of contact between principal airlines and local cargo agents, with 24/7 station management and customer support.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Dnata is a global air and travel services provider delivering integrated aviation services across four divisions: Airport Operations (ground handling, cargo handling, premium passenger services, private aviation), Catering & Retail (inflight catering and onboard retail programme management), Travel Services (corporate travel management, leisure travel, and destination management), and Cargo logistics (international freight forwarding, 3PL/4PL warehousing, and customs brokerage). The company serves 347 airline partners across 174 airports in 35 countries, handling 888,793 aircraft turns, 3.2 million tonnes of cargo, and 115.3 million meals annually.

Product overview

Dnata is a global air and travel services provider offering an integrated portfolio of aviation services. The company operates across four core divisions: Airport Operations (ground handling, cargo handling, premium services, private aviation), Catering & Retail (inflight catering, retail services, VIP catering), Travel Services (corporate travel, leisure travel, destination management), and a Cargo division with proprietary digital platforms. Key products include Ground Handling services serving 347 airlines at 174 airports, the Calogi e-commerce portal for cargo operations, dnata logistics for freight forwarding, the OneCargo digital cargo management system, and the marhaba airport hospitality brand. The company handles 3.1 million tonnes of cargo annually and serves 51 million passengers, with digital platforms like OneCargo and Calogi enabling operational automation and efficiency across its global network of 130+ airports in 35 countries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• marhaba: Airport hospitality brand offering meet & greet, lounge access, and premium passenger services
• dnata Travel
• dnata Logistics
• Calogi
• cargo partners
• Arabian Adventures
• Destination Asia
• Gold Medal
• Travelbag

Products and services

• Ground Handling Award-winning ground handling services including ramp services, load control and flight operations, security services, and aircraft appearance (cleaning) for safe and efficient aircraft turnaround. Serves airline customers at 174 airports globally with 888,793 aircraft turns handled in FY 2025-26.
• Cargo Handling

Quantifiable outcome

• Global aircraft turns handled increased 12% to 888,793 in FY 2025-26
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability9 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Silk Way Group (Singapore contract)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 3 June 2026Multi-year contract for cargo and freighter handling services at Singapore Changi Airport, supporting Silk Way Group's twice-weekly freighter services. Expected to handle 15,000+ tonnes annually. Builds on existing partnership; contract awarded following competitive tender.
• Lödige IndustriescoreTechnology or Integration · 19 May 2026Long-term partnership extended for maintenance and upgrade of cargo handling systems at Singapore Changi Airport, covering automatic cargo handling, pallet systems, and cool chain facilities. Includes upgrading a system originally installed in 1979 to ensure continued optimal performance for growing cargo volumes.
• Dubai PolicecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 December 2025Joint development of a centralised cargo screening control room at Dubai International Airport (DXB). Dubai Police officers remotely operate and monitor six X-ray machines integrated with dnata's OneCargo digital system. Part of broader digital transformation and security enhancement programme valued at $110 million.
• Dubai AirportscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 November 2025Collaboration at Dubai Airshow 2025 to launch world's first Sustainability Showcase demonstrating fully sustainable aircraft turnaround. Involves nearly 30 industry partners showcasing innovative technologies. Part of broader oneDXB Sustainability Alliance demonstrating collective action for aviation's net-zero transition.
• flydubaicoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 November 2025Collaboration with flydubai at the Dubai Airshow 2025 Sustainability Showcase, demonstrating sustainable aircraft turnaround solutions. flydubai is both a partner and a customer of dnata's ground handling services.
• TractEasy / EasyMilecoreTechnology or Integration · 14 November 2025TractEasy (a joint venture between TLD and EasyMile) developed the EZTow autonomous electric baggage tractor deployed at Dubai World Central. AED 6 million ($1.6 million) deployment of 6 vehicles at Level 3 autonomy with full Level 4 targeted in early 2026. Partnership involved collaboration with Dubai Airports and UAE GCAA for regulatory framework development.
• VisaminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 30 October 2025Partnership between dnata Representation Services and Visa to offer exclusive luxury travel benefits for high-net-worth Visa cardholders across the GCC. Offers curated experiences including complimentary upgrades, preferential rates, and bespoke services. Coincides with Visa Private card launch targeting $1 million+ investable assets.
• Silk Way GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 October 2025Joint venture agreement signed October 2025 to establish ground handling and cargo operations at Alat International Airport in Baku, Azerbaijan, launching April 2027. Facility capable of handling 500,000+ tonnes cargo annually with 5% projected annual growth. Expected to create 1,000+ local jobs. Builds on existing partnership where dnata handles Silk Way West Airlines operations across multiple countries.
• Al Saeedi GroupminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 9 October 2025Five-year contract extension for tyre solutions at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) airports. Al Saeedi supplies, repairs, and fits tyres for dnata's fleet of over 2,300 motorised and 8,300 unmotorised assets. The partnership delivered improved safety, reduced downtime, and enhanced operational efficiency.
• Dubai BasketballminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 September 2025Three-year Founding Partner sponsorship of Dubai Basketball franchise competing in EuroLeague and ABA League. dnata branding on jerseys, Coca-Cola Arena, and digital platforms. dnata serves as official travel partner. First major sports sponsorship for dnata.
• Zurich AirportcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 September 2025Zurich Airport is developing and building the new dnata Cargo Centre infrastructure (investing over CHF 40 million in building infrastructure), while dnata commits CHF 6 million for equipment including modern ULD material handling system. Facility scheduled to open early 2027.
• International Airlines Group (IAG)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 July 2025MoU signed July 2025 establishing dnata as first ground handler in IAG's Preferred Partner Programme. Foundation for long-term collaboration across multiple North American airports, including new ground handling services at LAX commencing Q4 2025, with further collaboration opportunities anticipated.
• Wallenborn Middle East LogisticscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint venture for Road Feeder Services (RFS), offering high-performance road transport extending air cargo journeys from airport to destination. Modern fleet of air cargo trailers purpose-built for full-size freighter pallets with direct airport terminal interface.
• ENOC GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerENOC supplies fleet biodiesel to dnata for ground support equipment. ENOC also pursuing sustainable aviation fuel development for dnata operations as part of UAE Net Zero 2050 strategy.

Scale indicators21 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Swissport International: Swissport is the world's largest independent ground handling and air cargo services company, operating at ~300 airports globally with similar ground handling, cargo, and lounge service offerings to dnata. Direct competitor for the same airline customer base, including major international carriers seeking multi-station handling partners.
• Menzies Aviation: Menzies Aviation is one of dnata's primary global ground handling competitors, operating at over 200 airports across 6 continents with passenger, ramp, and cargo handling services. Both companies serve the same airline RFPs and compete head-to-head for airline handling contracts in mature aviation markets.
• WFS (Worldwide Flight Services): WFS, owned by SATS, provides cargo handling and ground services at airports worldwide, directly overlapping with dnata's cargo and ground handling divisions. Operates competing cargo terminals at major airports including Amsterdam Schiphol alongside dnata's new Cargo City Amsterdam facility.
• SATS Ltd. SATS is Singapore's leading airport services provider, providing ground handling, inflight catering, and cargo services. Direct competitor to dnata in Asia-Pacific (especially Singapore Changi) with comparable inflight catering and ground handling operations serving the same airline customers.
• Gate Gourmet: Gate Gourmet is one of the largest independent inflight catering companies globally, competing directly with dnata Catering & Retail for airline catering contracts. Operates catering facilities at airports across multiple continents, serving the same major airline customers as dnata.
• Aviapartner: Aviapartner is a European-headquartered ground handling company operating at major airports across Europe and other regions. Direct competitor to dnata for ground handling and cargo contracts, particularly competing at European hubs where dnata operates (Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium).
• Celebi Aviation Holding: Celebi is a Turkish-based global ground handling and cargo services company operating at airports in multiple countries. Direct competitor to dnata for airline ground handling and cargo handling contracts, particularly across Eastern European and Middle Eastern airport markets.
• LSG Sky Chefs / Gate Group: LSG Sky Chefs is a leading global inflight catering provider, competing directly with dnata Catering & Retail for airline catering contracts at airports worldwide. Both companies produce tens of millions of meals annually for major airline customers in overlapping geographies.

Emerging players

• dnata Travel competitors / Corporate travel management: Corporate travel management firms like CWT, Amex GBT and BCD Travel compete with dnata Travel Management for corporate travel contracts in the Middle East and other markets. While dnata Travel is a sub-business within the broader dnata group, this represents the closest comparator for the corporate travel division specifically.

Broad incumbents

• Kuehne+Nagel: Kuehne+Nagel is a leading global freight forwarder that overlaps with dnata Logistics' freight forwarding and supply chain services. While Kuehne+Nagel operates as a broad freight forwarder with air, sea, and road capabilities, it competes in the same air freight forwarding market segment where dnata logistics operates.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat7 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@dnata
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/dnata

Compliance15 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Subsidiaries14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A5 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Dnata