Dubai Airport implements new baggage rules today

Dubai Airports (DXB) has announced that effective March 8, 2017,  it is implementing a new baggage rule that states bags without flat surfaces will be rejected at airline check-in counters. The new move is aimed at improving service, reducing the risk of mishandlings and enhancing the performance of  check-in and baggage operations at Dubai International Airport, Arabian Business reports.

“Dubai International provides some of the most sophisticated baggage systems in the world,” said Dubai International Airport Terminal Operations vice president  Ali Angizeh.

“However, even the most technologically advanced systems can be disrupted by irregular shaped or oversized bags. Bags that are round or do not have a flat surface of any kind are by far the largest source of baggage jams. These jams can shut down sections of our system, delay baggage delivery to the aircraft and inconvenience our customers.”

Angizeh added that all airlines operating inbound and outbound flights out of DXB have been informed of the new regulation. The airport's website, mobile app and signages are also updated, announcing the new regulation.

He said: “We are trying to get the message out there as much as possible. Passengers, who show up at the airport with non-compliant baggage will also be given the option to have it repacked in boxes for a fee.”

Stretching 140 kilometres, Dubai Airport's baggage handling system is among the largest in the world, with a surface area equivalent to the size of 75 football fields. The airport has 15,000 trays and is powered by 21,000 motors. DXB handled approximately 9.3 million bags in January this year alone. A bag spends an average of 29 minutes in the baggage system at DXB, the report states.