DXB strengthens operations and cybersecurity leadership to support next phase of growth.
Dubai: Dubai Airports has appointed three senior executives to bolster the operational and technology teams overseeing Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), as it prepares for its next phase of growth.
The appointments span airport operations, the Airport Operations Control Centre and cybersecurity, as Dubai Airports strengthens its leadership team to support continued growth in passenger traffic and operational capacity across Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
As part of the leadership changes, Kan Ni has been promoted from Vice President of the Airport Operations Control Centre (AOCC) to Senior Vice President of Airport Operations, while Khalid Ishaq has been elevated from Head of AOCC Integration to Vice President of the AOCC.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Al Bastaki has joined Dubai Airports as Vice President of Technology Operations and Cybersecurity within the Business Technology division.
Focus on operations and resilience
Dubai Airports said the appointments reflect its continued investment in leadership capabilities to support the long-term growth and ambitions of Dubai’s aviation sector.
“Our ability to deliver safely, efficiently and at scale depends on the strength of our people, the resilience of our systems and the way we work together as one airport community. These appointments reinforce the leadership capability we need for the future, combining specialist technology expertise, deep operational experience and strong Emirati talent in areas that are increasingly central to airport performance and resilience,” said Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Airports.
Kan Ni and Khalid Ishaq will assume senior leadership roles within the Airport Operations Control Centre (AOCC), the airport’s real-time operational hub that coordinates the movement of around 200,000 passengers through Dubai International (DXB) each day.
Kan Ni takes on expanded operations role
In his new position, Kan Ni will oversee broader airport operations after playing a key role in transforming the AOCC into a central platform for coordinated, data-driven decision-making across DXB’s operations.
Most recently, Kan Ni led operational teams through a period of regional airspace constraints, working closely with aviation partners to maintain efficiency during a rapidly evolving operating environment.
His promotion broadens his responsibilities beyond the Airport Operations Control Centre (AOCC) to oversee the wider airport operations function.
Meanwhile, Khalid Ishaq, who joined Dubai Airports in 2005, steps into the role of Vice President after nearly two decades of experience across the organisation’s operational systems.
Dubai Airports said Emiratis now make up 75 per cent of its management team, reflecting its commitment to national talent development and supporting initiatives such as Nafis and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
Cybersecurity leadership strengthened
As Vice President of Technology Operations and Cybersecurity, Ahmad Al Bastaki will oversee cybersecurity, service management and infrastructure operations across Dubai Airports.
His responsibilities include safeguarding the systems and digital services that underpin airport operations, ensuring business continuity and operational resilience.
Dubai Airports said the appointments reinforce its continued focus on operational excellence, customer experience, digital transformation and preparing for future growth in passenger capacity.
