dnata CEO Predicts Full Recovery of Dubai Travel by Q1 2027

Sep 17, 2026

87 min

Sep 17, 2026 02:31

dnata CEO sees Dubai travel demand fully turning around in Q1 2027 as cargo posts ‘mega growth’

## Travel Demand Recovery

Nabil Sultan, CEO of dnata, anticipates a full recovery in Dubai's travel demand by the first quarter of 2027. The company has observed early signs of improvement in passenger bookings and spending, particularly for leisure and business travel. This optimism follows disruptions caused by regional conflicts, which initially impacted inbound travel from Europe and Asia. However, demand from regions like the Indian subcontinent, Middle East, and Africa has rebounded quickly.

## Cargo Growth

While passenger travel faced challenges, dnata's cargo operations experienced significant growth. The demand for air freight surged, partly due to disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. Sultan highlighted "mega growth" in cargo tonnage and handling, with expectations for continued expansion. dnata has invested heavily in its cargo infrastructure, including a new facility in the Netherlands and a Cargo Integrated Command Centre in Dubai.

## Airline and Staff Retention

The recovery of Dubai's passenger market is also linked to international airlines restoring capacity. Many carriers, particularly from India, have maintained operations, while others are planning to resume flights by the end of the year. Despite reduced flight volumes, dnata retained its workforce, preparing them for the anticipated increase in demand.

## Catering and New Markets

dnata's catering division continues to expand globally, serving over 115 million meals annually. The company is also exploring opportunities in emerging markets such as Iraq, Libya, and parts of the Indian subcontinent. Sultan emphasized the importance of stability in these regions for potential business growth.

## Investment and Diversification

Sultan indicated dnata's openness to further investments and acquisitions, aiming to complement its existing operations. The company's diversified structure across airport services, catering, and travel has helped mitigate the impact of regional disruptions, positioning dnata for future growth.

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