dnata Sees Cargo Growth and Expects Dubai Travel Recovery in Early 2027

dnata expects Dubai’s travel market to strengthen significantly in the first quarter of 2027 as airlines restore capacity and passenger bookings recover. Chief executive Nabil Sultan said fourth-quarter booking demand is already about 5% higher than last year, while spending per passenger is up by almost 10%.

The company’s cargo business has grown strongly as disruption around the Strait of Hormuz increased demand for air freight. dnata continues to invest in cargo infrastructure, including an approximately AED 800 million facility in the Netherlands and its integrated command centre in Dubai.

dnata retained its airport-operations workforce during the slowdown and used the period for training. The company expects returning international airline capacity and resilient demand from the Middle East, Africa and the Indian subcontinent to support the next phase of recovery.