Al Maktoum International Airport, Airport Operations Control Center (AOCC)

This center ensures efficient information collection, assessment, analysis, and dissemination under both non-emergency and emergency conditions to support a common operating picture. The AOCC operates 24/7, maintaining continuous operations to ensure the safe and efficient movement of passengers, aircraft, and vehicles throughout the airport complex. 

Project Highlights

• Continuous Operations: 24/7 staffing and operations

• Centralized Monitoring: Secondary control centers report to the AOCC, providing a single location for comprehensive airport operations monitoring

• Regional Event Monitoring: Capability to monitor regional events and provide planning guidance for potential impacts on airport operations

As part of ongoing planning and design for the AOCC at AMI, DAEP requested initial and conceptual planning efforts. Introba, as a specialty subconsultant reporting directly to Dar (the Consultant), performed these planning activities in collaboration with DAEP personnel and other key stakeholders. This initial planning laid the groundwork for subsequent architectural and engineering design efforts and the development of staffing and operational concept documents. 

Scope of Work

Introba's specific tasks included:

• Development and Discussion of Stakeholder Questionnaire

• Initial Planning Workshop with DAEP and Invited Stakeholders

• Benchmarking of Airport Operations Centers (both US and globally)

• Conceptual Layout Development

• Budgetary Pricing Development

• Final Report and Presentation

 AOCC Functions and Services

The AOCC is designed to encompass various services and operations, including:

• Airport Airside Operations

• Apron Control

• Airside Aircraft Traffic

• Airside Intelligent Transportation

• Ground Handling (Dnata)

• Airside Dispatch

• ATCT Coordination

Airport Landside Operations:

• Airport Train (APM)

• Airport Transit and Metro

• Airport Parking

• Landside Intelligent Transportation

• RTA Coordination

• Groundside Dispatch

• Rental Cars

• Landside Facilities

Airport Terminal Operations:

• Terminal Operations

• Concourse Operations

• Operations Dispatch

• Police/Immigration/Customs

• Baggage Operations

• Airlines/Minimum Connect Time

• Resources Management

Airport Security Operations:

• Video Surveillance

• Access Control and Intrusion Detection

• Security/Law Enforcement Dispatch

• Royal/Military/VIP Operations

• Security Resources/Risk Management

• Vehicular Screening

• Goods Screening

• Baggage Screening

• People Screening

Airport Life-Safety Operations:

• Fire Alarm Systems

• Defibrillator Systems

• Emergency Medical Dispatch

• Hazardous Materials Operations

• Airport Fire Fighting and Rescue

Airport Facilities Management:

• Elevators and Travelators/Moving Walkways

• Building Management

• Asset Management

• Maintenance Dispatch

• Janitorial Services

• Assets/Fleet Management

• Utilities & Energy

• Stores & Warehouses

Airport Planning Center:

• AMI Planning and Forecast

• Airlines Planning & Forecast

• Government Agencies Planning & Forecast

Airport Customer Services:

• General Inquiries

• Website and Social Media

• Paging and Announcements

• Special Events

Emergency Operations:

• Emergency Support Functions

• Incident Commander

• Policy Room

• Federal/Local Agencies 

The AOCC at DAEP will optimize operational efficiency and communication, enhancing the airport’s capability to handle both daily operations and emergency situations effectively. By centralizing control and integrating various operational functions, the AOCC will ensure the safe and efficient movement of all airport resources, contributing to the overall success of Dubai's main international gateway.

Image Credit: Dubai Airports