Dubai, UAE, 19 October 2026: dnata is expanding its accessibility capabilities at Dubai International airport (DXB) with new mobility equipment, enhanced frontline support and emerging assistive technology, strengthening the airport journey for customers with diverse accessibility needs.

The enhancements include upgraded ambulifts, customised accessibility buggies and improved sets of battery-operated wheelchairs. dnata is also trialling autonomous wheelchair technology as it explores how emerging mobility solutions could complement existing assistance services.

The wider programme is being highlighted at AccessAbilities Expo 2026, where dnata is engaging with People of Determination, accessibility experts and technology providers on the future of inclusive travel.

“Dubai’s ambition is to be a city where everyone can participate fully, and aviation has an important role to play in making that a reality,” said Jaffar Dawood, Divisional Senior Vice President for UAE Airport Operations at dnata.

“At dnata, we are supporting that vision by investing in the people, equipment and technology that make airport journeys more accessible, while working closely with the wider airport community to deliver a more equitable and inclusive travel experience.”

Modernising airside mobility

dnata has deployed three new ambulifts, introducing modern, high-capacity units designed to enhance safety, reliability and comfort during aircraft boarding and disembarkation.

The upgraded ambulifts feature improved stabilisation systems, refined cabin ergonomics and enhanced lift precision, supporting smoother transfers between terminal and aircraft.

Customised mobility in the terminal

Further, dnata is expanding its fleet with 24 customised accessibility buggies that accommodate a broader range of needs, including customers travelling with personal mobility aids.

dnata is also introducing three sets of stacked, battery-operated wheelchairs. Their stackable design optimises storage space and operational deployment, while the powered functionality enables smoother transfers across longer terminal distances.

Exploring future mobility

As part of its ongoing technology trials, dnata is assessing autonomous wheelchair technology as a potential future addition to its Accessible Travel offering.

The technology is designed to support more independent movement through airport environments and is being showcased at dnata’s stand at AccessAbilities Expo as part of the company’s wider exploration of new solutions.

Supporting a wider range of accessibility needs

dnata currently assists approximately 2 million customers annually at DXB requiring mobility or other accessibility support services.

Alongside equipment upgrades, dnata has introduced Signature Service Style training for frontline teams supporting Accessible Travel operations, strengthening soft skills, situational awareness and personalised customer care.

More than 3,500 dnata team members have completed dedicated hidden disability training, enabling them to provide person-centred support. Its teams also work closely with airport partners to facilitate easier journeys through priority lanes, sensory-considerate areas and Assisted Travel Lounges where required.

dnata teams also recognise and support customers wearing the Sunflower lanyard, helping ensure those with non-visible disabilities can receive additional time, understanding and assistance throughout their airport journey.

Making assistance easier to access

Customers requiring accessibility assistance can request support through their airline when booking or ahead of travel, with advance notification recommended. The services are provided free of charge.

Hearing loop systems are also available across 10 service touchpoints within Terminals 1, 2 and 3 as part of the wider airport accessibility infrastructure, helping dnata teams communicate more effectively with customers with hearing impairments.

Introducing Accessible Travel

As part of the wider enhancement programme, dnata has formally renamed its Special Handling department to Accessible Travel.

The new designation reflects the expanded scope of services beyond wheelchair assistance and aligns with international best practice in accessibility terminology, placing greater emphasis on equitable and barrier-free travel.

dnata has also introduced a refreshed uniform for frontline Accessible Travel teams, improving visibility, comfort and approachability for colleagues supporting customers across terminal and airside environments.

As the passenger journey extends beyond any one organisation, dnata works with airlines, service providers and government stakeholders through the oneDXB community to help connect improvements across the airport experience, from arrival at the terminal to boarding the aircraft.

Dubai, UAE, 12 October 2026: dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider, has committed AED 175 million to new ground support equipment (GSE) in the UAE since the start of the year, as it prepares for continued growth across Dubai’s aviation sector.

The investment covers more than 340 new assets, spanning fleet renewal and additional capacity. dnata currently operates approximately 2,800 motorised GSE assets across Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC).

Much of the programme focuses on equipment with enhanced safety features and technology, alongside increased aircraft pushback and towing capability to strengthen resilience across dnata’s ground handling operations.

Nabil Sultan Al Murr, Group Chief Executive Officer, dnata, said: “Dubai’s aviation sector is entering another major phase of growth, and we are investing with the future operation in mind. Ground equipment has long procurement and delivery cycles, so fleet planning needs to stay several years ahead of demand.

“We are using this investment to strengthen the fundamentals of the operation: renewing assets at the right point in their lifecycle, adding capacity where we see sustained growth, and improving resilience in areas that are critical to aircraft turnaround. At the same time, we are raising the standard of the fleet through better safety features and technology. As DWC takes on a larger role in Dubai’s aviation system, that long-term approach to fleet planning becomes even more important.”

Investing in safer, more resilient operations

Safety is a major focus of dnata’s latest fleet investment, with new equipment incorporating features designed to give teams greater visibility and control during aircraft handling.

These include aircraft loaders with features that make working at height safer, alongside AI-enabled detection cameras positioned beneath loading platforms. The cameras improve visibility in areas that can otherwise be difficult for operators to monitor, helping identify potential hazards during ground handling activities.

dnata is also strengthening its aircraft pushback and towing fleet, an essential part of the aircraft turnaround process. The investment will provide greater flexibility and resilience in an area where equipment availability is critical to maintaining reliable aircraft movements.

These enhancements reflect dnata’s broader approach to GSE fleet planning, which takes into account changing operational requirements, aircraft types and fleet mix. Equipment is selected to strengthen safety, reliability and long-term operational performance.

Showcasing the future of ground handling

Technology is becoming an increasingly important part of that planning. dnata is advancing solutions including automated aircraft docking systems and the use of 3D printing to produce selected GSE components, with a focus on improving how equipment is operated, maintained and kept available for service.

A selection of these technologies will be showcased at Airport Show 2026, offering a closer look at how dnata is evolving its ground handling operations alongside continued investment in its fleet.

Beyond the UAE, dnata operates approximately 4,700 motorised GSE assets across its global network and provides ground handling and cargo services at 86 airports worldwide. In the 2025-26 financial year, dnata's teams handled more than 888,000 aircraft turns and processed 3.2 million tonnes of cargo across its global network.

Dublin, Ireland, 1 October 2026: dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider, has appointed Siobhán Meaney as Managing Director of its Catering & Retail business in Ireland, effective 1 October 2026.

Siobhán succeeds Andrew Whitworth, who is leaving the business after more than 10 years of successful service with dnata.

In her new role, Siobhán will oversee dnata’s Catering and Retail operations in Ireland, with responsibility for the company’s people, customers, operations and continued growth in the market.

Siobhán steps into the position from within dnata Ireland’s leadership team, where she has served as Finance Director for almost eight years. Prior to joining dnata, Siobhán was an Associate Director at CPL Group Plc. A Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA), she brings extensive financial and commercial expertise, alongside an in-depth understanding of dnata’s business, customers and operations in Ireland.

Robin Padgett, CEO of dnata Catering & Retail, said: “Siobhán has already made a significant contribution to our operations and growth in the market, and I’m delighted to see her take this next step with dnata.

“Ireland is an important market for our Catering & Retail business, with strong customer partnerships and exciting opportunities ahead. Under Siobhán’s leadership, we will continue investing in our people and capabilities while delivering the quality, innovation and reliability our airline partners expect from us.”

Siobhán Meaney, Managing Director, dnata Catering & Retail Ireland, said: “I’m incredibly proud to take on this role and lead our talented team in Ireland. Having been part of the business and its development over the years, I’ve seen first-hand the passion and expertise our people bring to our customers every day.

“We have built a strong operation in Ireland, and there is plenty more we want to achieve. I look forward to working with our teams, customers and partners as we continue strengthening our business, developing our capabilities and delivering exceptional experiences for airline customers and their passengers.”

Based at Dublin Airport Logistics Park, dnata provides inflight catering and retail services to seven international airlines across three airports in Ireland. Collectively, its facilities span 9,100 square metres and can produce up to 40,000 meals per day.

Recently, dnata has expanded its long-standing partnership in Ireland with Aer Lingus to include the management of the airline’s inflight retail programme. Under the five-year agreement, dnata manages the end-to-end retail proposition, including product sourcing and procurement, warehousing and technology provision, supporting more than 160 Aer Lingus flights each day across Dublin, Shannon and Cork.

Globally, dnata’s Catering & Retail division operates from more than 60 locations worldwide with a team of over 10,000 catering professionals. In the 2025-26 financial year, the division uplifted 115.3 million meals, while its onboard retail operations supported 28.4 million transactions annually.

Dubai, UAE, 28 September 2026: dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider, is participating in Ru'ya Careers UAE at Dubai World Trade Centre from 28 to 30 September, highlighting career opportunities for Emirati talent across its diverse operations.

dnata continues to invest in attracting, developing and advancing national talent. UAE Nationals hold 111 different roles across the company, from travel services and frontline airport operations to specialist and leadership positions, reflecting the breadth of career paths available within the organisation.

The strength of dnata's approach is reflected in the longevity and progression of its people. UAE Nationals have an average tenure of approximately 12 years with the company, while nearly two-thirds have been with dnata for more than a decade.

Since 2021, almost 100 Emirati employees have progressed through promotions or role upgrades, underscoring dnata's commitment to career development and internal mobility. Today, Emirati talent leads key areas of the business in the UAE and internationally, including airport operations, travel, customer experience, technical services, safety and overseas operations.

Emirati women currently represent more than half of dnata's UAE National workforce in Dubai, reflecting the company's commitment to creating inclusive opportunities.

At Ru'ya Careers UAE, visitors can explore the diverse range of careers available across dnata's businesses. Programmes available to Emirati talent include development pathways for high school graduates, graduate management programmes and roles for experienced professionals. Employees also benefit from leadership development programmes, secondments, global mobility assignments, support for continuing education and participation in government leadership initiatives.

Hana Al Awadhi, Senior Vice President, HR Business Partnerships, dnata, said: “What makes dnata unique is the breadth of opportunities available within a single organisation. People join us with different ambitions and backgrounds, and many go on to build careers that take them in directions they never expected.

"We are particularly proud of the Emiratis who have grown with us over the years. Many have progressed into leadership roles, taking on greater responsibility as their careers have evolved. Their success stories show what is possible when people are given the support, trust and opportunity to thrive.

“We look forward to meeting aspiring Emirati talent at Ru'ya Careers UAE and sharing the many pathways available across our business."

dnata invites Emiratis and their families to visit its stand at Ru'ya Careers UAE to meet the team, explore available opportunities and discover how a career with dnata can contribute to both their personal ambitions and the continued growth of the UAE.

dnata's stand is part of the Emirates Group's 300-square-metre stand, located in Zabeel Hall 3, Legacy Hall, Stand Z3-1.

Dubai, UAE, 18 September 2026: dnata Travel Group, the travel arm of aviation services provider dnata, signed 12 partnership agreements at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 to further broaden its travel offering and expand its international reach.

The agreements span hotel distribution, cruise holidays, hospitality, destinations and travel technology. Alongside the signings, the group announced the integration of Travelbag into Imagine Cruising and an expansion of Arabian Adventures’ The Fort – Lisaili, combining external partnerships with investment in its own businesses.

John Bevan, CEO, dnata Travel Group, said: “Our announcements at ATM reflect where we see the strongest opportunities for growth: developing our specialist travel brands, expanding distribution for our partners and investing in experiences that give travellers more reasons to choose a destination.

“The value of these partnerships extends beyond any single brand or market. A hotel partner can work with us across leisure, corporate and wholesale travel, while a destination can draw on both our international sales network and local expertise. Building those relationships across the group is an important part of how we intend to grow.”

Partnerships across the travel portfolio

dnata Travel Group’s agreement with Rotana will increase access to its 118-property portfolio through its leisure, wholesale, corporate and group travel channels, connecting the hotel company with travellers across more than 180 source markets. It builds on recently established direct dynamic connectivity, with opportunities for joint marketing and technology initiatives to improve distribution efficiency.

For dnata Travel Leisure, seven agreements brought together partners across cruise, luxury hospitality and destination tourism.

Four cruise signings support a portfolio serving different customer groups. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. brings a strong family and multigenerational proposition, while Norwegian Cruise Line offers options spanning solo travel through to premium suites. MSC Cruises combines family holidays with premium experiences such as MSC Yacht Club, and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection provides a smaller-scale, ultra-luxury alternative. Together, these relationships give dnata Travel scope to develop its cruise offering around a broader range of budgets, interests and service expectations.

dnata Travel also signed an agreement with Kerzner International to support its luxury holiday proposition across family resorts, ultra-luxury stays and wellness experiences through brands including Atlantis, One&Only, SIRO and Rare Finds.

Operators aside, the travel agency also secured agreements with tourism bodies, offering opportunities to build more varied itineraries for customers. With Turespaña, the focus includes Spain’s gastronomy, wellness, coastal destinations and Islamic and Arab heritage. Tourism Seychelles brings opportunities to complement resort holidays with island-hopping, nature, marine activities and Creole culture, giving customers more reasons to explore each destination.

Elsewhere in the group, Arabian Adventures, its destination management and desert experiences specialist, signed with Trip.com, providing a basis to explore wider digital distribution for its destination services.

Travel technology distributor EmQuest concluded separate agreements with Smart Travels and Jalhansa Tours & Travels, supporting its agency relationships and opportunities for closer cooperation on booking and distribution services.

Developing the group’s own businesses

Alongside its partnership programme, dnata Travel Group announced the integration of Travelbag into Imagine Cruising, bringing together complementary strengths in tailor-made land holidays and cruise experiences.

The move expands customer choice and gives Travelbag customers access to Imagine Cruising’s dedicated concierge support throughout booking and travel. It also gives Imagine Cruising its first high street presence through Travelbag’s seven UK stores, which will become dual branded. Both businesses will retain their existing names, teams and customer propositions, while benefiting from shared expertise, greater scale and operational efficiencies.

In Dubai, Arabian Adventures announced an AED 8 million expansion of The Fort – Lisaili, with new adventure, dining and cultural experiences opening in phases from 2027. The development, including the UAE’s first dune-top desert zipline, will broaden the group’s own offering for international visitors and UAE residents.

The group’s ATM participation also included four conference sessions on leisure and corporate travel, new insights into UAE winter holiday bookings, and seven World Travel Awards Middle East wins across dnata Travel, Arabian Adventures and dnata Travel Management.

The dnata Travel Group represents the travel division of dnata. The group’s history is rooted in Dubai and the growth of its pioneering travel industry, evolving to comprise more than 15 leading international travel brands with coverage across the world. Its businesses cover all aspects of the travel industry from local travel agencies to global travel consolidators, corporate travel, destination management and attractions, airline representation services, and more.

Dubai, UAE, 17 September 2026 – dnata Travel Group, the travel division of dnata, announced the integration of Travelbag, one of the UK's leading tailor-made travel specialists, into Imagine Cruising, its global cruise holiday provider.

The move brings together two highly successful dnata Travel Group brands with complementary strengths, expanding customer choice while creating a stronger platform for future growth through greater scale, shared expertise and operational efficiencies.

Customers will benefit from access to a wider range of travel experiences, combining Imagine Cruising's extensive cruise holiday offering with Travelbag's renowned land-based itineraries. Travelbag customers will also gain access to Imagine Cruising's dedicated concierge team throughout the booking and travel journey.

The move also gives Imagine Cruising its first high street presence through Travelbag's network of seven UK retail stores. The locations will be dual branded, enabling customers to access both brands' products and expertise through a single retail network.

Both brands will continue to operate under their existing names, maintaining their established teams and customer propositions.

Nicola Richardson, Managing Director of Travelbag, will continue to lead the brand and join Imagine Cruising’s senior leadership team, reporting to CEO Tony Roberts.

John Bevan, CEO, dnata Travel Group, said: “This integration is a clear example of our strategy in action: investing in leading specialist brands and enabling them to achieve more together than they could independently. By deepening collaboration across our portfolio, we will deliver greater value for customers while strengthening our long-term market position. Looking ahead, we will continue to identify opportunities for our businesses to realise their full potential across our global operations.”

Tony Roberts, CEO, Imagine Cruising Group, said: "Bringing Travelbag into the Imagine Cruising family is an exciting step for us. It strengthens our UK business considerably, while also adding a real boost of tailor-made experience to our offering. We’re looking forward to this next chapter together."

Nicola Richardson, Managing Director, Travelbag, said: "Our customers have always come to us for expert, tailor-made advice, and joining the Imagine Cruising Group gives us even more to offer them. It makes such sense, and we’re all really excited for the opportunities ahead."

Imagine Cruising is a global business, with operations across the UK, South Africa, USA, Australia and New Zealand. Since its founding in 2011, the brand has consistently expanded its international footprint, most recently entering the USA in 2025, while continuing to strengthen its position across existing markets.

Its product offering has grown at a similar pace, built on the belief that cruise should be paired with a meaningful stay, a rail journey or a touring itinerary rather than sold as a holiday on its own. River cruising is in particular demand, with itineraries reaching quieter stretches of the Rhine and the Danube. Alongside that, guests are drawn to packages built around exclusive experiences unavailable to independent travellers, from cultural events in Italy to private dining experiences in Vietnam and premium access to world-renowned sporting events such as the Monaco Grand Prix.

Travelbag has recorded sustained growth in trading volume and average booking value in recent years, driven largely by rising demand for multi-centre holidays over single-destination packages. This reflects a broader shift in customer preference toward tailor-made, experiential travel.

That growth is built on more than 45 years as one of the UK's leading tailor-made travel specialists, supported by a nationwide network of retail stores, contact centres and digital channels, spanning destinations across Asia, Africa, the Indian Ocean, the Caribbean, North America and beyond. Travelbag continues to invest in its digital experience, as more customers choose to start their journey online before speaking with a Travel Specialist to plan and book their holiday.

The integration of Travelbag builds on Imagine Cruising’s international growth plan, further strengthening its position within the dnata Travel Group.

The dnata Travel Group represents the travel division of dnata. The group’s history is rooted in Dubai and the growth of its pioneering travel industry, evolving to comprise more than 15 leading international travel brands with coverage across the world. Its businesses cover all aspects of the travel industry from local travel agencies to global travel consolidators, corporate travel, destination management and attractions, airline representation services, and more.