IATA CEIV Pharma and WHO GDP validated airside cold chain hub at Dubai International Airport with reefer ULDs, refrigerated dollies and multi-temperature zones (+2/+8 °C, −20 °C, +15/+25 °C) handling 35,000 t/year of vaccines, biologics and perishables
Pharma Cold Chain

Airside Perishables & Pharma Cold Chain Hub — Dubai

Airside cold chain hub for a Gulf air-freight operator — GDP-validated pharma rooms, frozen and chilled zones, reefer ULD handling and integrated BMS.

Location
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Capacity
35,000 t/year perishables · 900 m² GDP
Temperature
+2/+8 °C GDP · −20 °C · +15/+25 °C
Budget
USD $22M–$28M
Timeline
14 months

Project overview

A Gulf-based air cargo operator commissioned ColdMatch Group to source and structure the tender for an airside perishables and pharma cold chain hub at Dubai International Airport. The facility handles vaccines, biologics, seafood and premium produce.

Challenge

  • IATA CEIV Pharma and WHO GDP compliance across all handling zones.
  • Apron-side operations with tight aircraft turnaround windows.
  • Ambient design temperature of +48 °C stressing refrigeration and envelope.

Solution

  • Multi-temperature zoning (+2/+8 °C, −20 °C, +15/+25 °C) with GDP mapping.
  • Reefer ULD dollies with plug-in stations along the apron interface.
  • Water-cooled central plant with heat recovery and N+1 chillers.

Result

  • IATA CEIV Pharma certification granted at first audit.
  • Aircraft ramp-to-storage transit time under 15 minutes for pharma.
  • 22% lower cooling energy intensity vs. baseline airside facility.

Scope of works

  • GDP 2–8 °C validated pharma rooms
  • −20 °C frozen and +15/+25 °C CRT zones
  • Reefer ULD dollies and apron plug bank
  • Central chilled-water plant (N+1)
  • BMS, 24/7 monitoring and CEIV mapping

Project gallery

Reefer ULDs and refrigerated cool dollies staged on the Dubai airport apron at dusk for pharma and perishables air-freight handling
Reefer ULD staging apron — DXB airside
GDP-validated 2–8 °C pharmaceutical cold rooms with wireless mapping sensors and 24/7 temperature monitoring for vaccines and biologics
GDP 2–8 °C validated pharma rooms — mapped
Central chilled-water plant with redundant chillers and BMS supporting an airside pharma and perishables cold hub in Dubai
Central chilled-water plant — redundant, BMS-linked

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