If your bag does not arrive at a UAE airport, do not leave the arrivals hall before going to the baggage services office and filing a formal report known as a "Property Irregularity Report (PIR)," keeping your passport, boarding pass, bag tag and the loss report. In most cases the bag is first classified as "delayed baggage," and the airline begins searching for it; if it cannot be found, it is treated as lost. The traveller may be entitled to compensation in cases of permanent loss, harmful delay, damage, or missing contents, with the amount assessed according to the circumstances, the conditions of the contract of carriage by air, the applicable international conventions and the carrier's policy. If liability or compensation is denied, the matter can be escalated by a complaint and then a lawsuit. The procedures and rights are set out in detail below.

Lost Luggage While Travelling: What Are the Procedures at UAE Airports and the Traveller's Rights?

Lost or delayed luggage is one of the common problems on air journeys, whether domestic or international, and may lead to disrupted travel plans, the loss of important personal belongings, or extra expenses for basic needs until the bag is received. In the UAE, airports and airlines provide clear procedures for handling lost or delayed baggage, along with dedicated services for reporting and tracking the status.

First: What to do the moment you discover your bag has not arrived

Second: What is the difference between delayed and lost baggage?

In most cases a bag is not deemed lost immediately; it is first classified as "delayed baggage," with the airline beginning the search and tracking process. The reasons for delay may vary:

However, if the bag cannot be found after the search procedures are completed, it may be considered lost and handled in accordance with the air carrier's approved procedures.

Third: What if the bag arrives damaged?

Fourth: Is the traveller entitled to claim compensation?

The traveller may have the right to claim compensation in a number of cases:

The method of calculating compensation and its amount vary according to the circumstances of the incident, the terms of the contract of carriage by air, the applicable international conventions and the airline's policies.

Fifth: How does a claim escalate if compensation is refused?

Sixth: Important tips to avoid baggage problems

Seventh: Lost-and-found and baggage services at UAE airports

The main airports in the State provide dedicated services for handling lost-and-found items and lost or delayed baggage. Travellers can use the following official links:

Eighth: When do you need legal advice?

Some situations may call for seeking legal advice, including:

In such cases it may be appropriate to review the incident and the related documents to determine the legal options available for claiming the rights and compensation due.

Frequently asked questions

This text is a translation of the original article written in Arabic. In the event of any discrepancy between this translation and the Arabic text, the Arabic version shall prevail.