DXB explores AI-powered turnaround management to improve on-time performance
Dubai Airports is working with Assaia to bring AI-powered turnaround management to every aircraft stand at Dubai International (DXB). The solution uses real-time data and computer vision to give ground teams clear visibility, faster decisions, and tighter coordination. It also positions Emirates as the only airline using a full-scale AI turnaround system across its entire operation in DXB.
The focus is practical: cut ground-related delays, hit planned turnaround times, and improve connections. Key partners include Emirates, flydubai, and dnata, ensuring the process is consistent across the airport.
What this means for managers
- Predictable turnarounds: AI flags risks early (late catering, jet bridge delays, stand blockages) so teams can act before timelines slip.
- Shared source of truth: One view of turnaround status for airlines, ground handlers, and airport ops means fewer blind spots and faster handoffs.
- Measurable performance: Tighter control of on-time performance (OTP), reduced taxi-in to off-block variance, and cleaner SLA adherence.
- Scalable workflows: Standardized alerts and automated triggers reduce coordination overhead as volumes grow.
Leaders on the initiative
"At Dubai Airports, innovation is driven by purpose - to build smarter, scalable systems that prepare us for the future of air travel," said Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Airports. He emphasized the goal of applying advanced technologies to improve reliability across airport operations.
Nick Moore, Senior Vice President Passenger Services and Hub Operations at Emirates, noted that the solution is expected to avoid ground-related delays and support planned turnaround times, leading to better OTP for customers connecting to and through Dubai.
Jan Willem Kappes, Chief Commercial Officer at Assaia, highlighted the shared work to bring AI-powered turnaround capabilities to DXB at scale.
Operational impact at DXB
This project advances Dubai Airports' digital transformation with data-driven planning and resourcing. The approach supports consistent experiences for more than 90 million guests passing through DXB each year.
Assaia's technology has delivered results at major hubs including Toronto, New York JFKIAT, Rome, and Seattle, improving punctuality and turnaround consistency. Rolling it out at DXB strengthens a more reliable, efficient, and connected operation in Dubai.
Execution playbook for airport and airline leaders
- Define the single KPI stack: OTP, average turnaround time by fleet type, variance from plan, delay attribution mix, and SLA adherence by partner.
- Set governance: Clear ownership for alerts, escalation rules, and "who acts on what" across airlines, handlers, and airport control.
- Standardize the last mile: Align SOPs on chocks-on to chocks-off tasks, timestamp accuracy, and exception codes.
- Close the loop: Use AI insights for shift briefings, roster planning, and vendor scorecards. Tie improvements to incentives.
- Start with high-impact stands: Prioritize banks with tight connections and widebody gates, then scale.
KPIs to watch
- On-time performance (D0/D15)
- Turnaround duration vs. plan by aircraft type
- Ground delay minutes per departure (and causes)
- Stand utilization and block time efficiency
- Alert-to-action time by role and partner
Key risks and how to handle them
- Change resistance: Run side-by-side comparisons showing delay minutes avoided and time saved per role.
- Data quality: Lock timestamp standards and audit trails early. Garbage in will erode trust.
- Vendor alignment: Bake AI-driven SLAs into contracts and monthly reviews.
- Privacy and safety: Follow clear camera placement, masking, and compliance guidelines; integrate with safety management systems.
About Assaia
Assaia International AG provides AI and computer vision software to optimize turnaround operations for airlines and airports. The platform offers full visibility into ground activities, predicts issues, automates workflows, and supports a safer, faster, and more sustainable operation.
Learn more about the organizations involved: Dubai Airports and Assaia.
Upskill your ops teams
If you're planning a similar rollout and want teams fluent in AI-driven operations, explore role-based options here: AI courses by job function.
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