The Breathtaking and Innovative Dubai International Airport
Dubai International Airport (DXB Airport) is the main airport serving Dubai as well as the principal airport of the United Arab Emirates. The vast airport -often described as a small city itself- is located in the area of Al Garhoud, almost 14km from Dubai downtown. DXB is not only listed among the busiest airports in the world when it comes to passenger traffic, but it also serves the most international passengers in the world. In fact, in 2019, it handled more than 89 million visitors. Nevertheless, its capacity is up to 100 million passengers. It is estimated that one plane flies from Dubai Airport every 76 seconds! What’s more, it is considered the airport serving the biggest number of passengers per flight. Please note that Dubai has another international airport as well, Dubai World Central (DWC) Airport (Al Maktoum Airport), planned to become the main aviation hub with an up to 200 million passenger capacity. However, for the time being, it remains the secondary airport in Dubai.
As expected, DXB Airport shelters Emirates Airlines (although its relocation to DWC Airport in the future is taken for granted) along with the low-cost, still major air carrier Flydubai. Emirates Airlines is currently handling more than 50% of flights to and from the Middle East. Therefore, its relocation will probably signal the end of an era for Dubai International Airport. However, as of now, the airport is one driving factor of Dubai’s economic development, employing thousands of people and playing its part in the local economy.
Airport Name: Dubai International Airport
IATA Code: DXB
ICAO: OMDB
Location: Dubai, UAE
Time Zone: Gulf Standard Time (GMT+4)
Airport Map: Dubai Airport at Google Maps
Dubai Airport’s Layout
Dubai International Airport actually resembles an aviation city, consisting of three terminal buildings. The oldest terminal (T1) is vast, whereas T2 is the hub of Flydubai and primarily serves domestic destinations and charter flights (although it also handles a few international flights). On the other hand, T3 is the largest single-terminal building in the world and is almost exclusively dedicated to Emirates Airlines.
Terminals 1 and 3 are side by side, whereas terminal 2 is a 5-10-minute drive from the other two terminals. What’s more, terminal 1 has only one concourse (Gates D), while terminal 3 (the Emirates and Qantas terminal) has three (Gates A, B, and C). Gates F is to be found at the remote terminal 2.
DXB Airport is Eco-Friendly and Avant-Garde
The authorities of Dubai have committed to reducing the city’s environmental impact by limiting the used energy sources. Dubai International Airport took part in this effort by installing new solar systems. The photovoltaic panels placed in 2019 have already significantly reduced carbon dioxide emissions.
On the other hand, DXB Airport tries to stay ahead of its time. Thus, it has adopted many advanced systems and latest-tech innovations. The time-saving E-Gate passport control (Smart Gates) and the pre-screening procedure at the terminals’ entrances are only a few to mention.
DXB Airlines
Having welcomed more than 66 million passengers in 2022, Dubai International Airport is definitely listed as one of the world’s busiest air hubs. Hence, it handles flights from and to various domestic, international, and intercontinental destinations, housing a vast number of airlines. Verily, more than 100 airlines (local and international, conventional and budget) are present at DXB Airport. Moreover, it is the hub of Emirates Airlines. In fact, terminal 3 is regarded as Emirates’ terminal. Finally, it serves as a base for several other airlines (Flydubai, Air India Express, IndiGo, etc.).
Parking Facilities
DXB passengers who want to park their vehicle at Dubai International Airport shouldn’t face any particular difficulties, as the airport has all the necessary parking facilities to meet their needs. Thus, each terminal features short-term and long-stay parking lots. Moreover, valet services are also provided to travelers looking for the ultimate parking experience at DXB. Conversely, there are no designated pick-up zones at either of the three Dubai terminal buildings, while parking curbside in front of the terminals is strictly prohibited.
Transit Options
Dubai Airport couldn’t but be well-connected to the city of Dubai. Hence, passengers arriving at Dubai Airport have plenty of options to get to their final destination. For instance, travelers who want to get from DXB Airport to downtown Dubai can settle on one of the following transit alternatives:
- an airport taxi
- a Dubai airport transfer
- a car rental from Dubai Airport
- a bus ride
- the Red Subway Line
Services and Amenities
Dubai Airport is a passenger-friendly aviation hub where travelers can make use of top-notch services and amenities. Explicitly, some of the most important ones are:
- Many retail options and Duty-free areas
- Various drinking and dining options
- Baggage wrapping / Luggage storage
- Business center
- Pharmacies /Medical services
- Banks / ATMs / Currency exchange areas
- Family services / Play zones
- Lost & Found offices
- Muslim prayer areas
- Zen Gardens
- Lounges / Spa facilities
- Shower facilities
- Airport hotels
- Wi-Fi
- Travel agencies and tour operators
- Information kiosks
- Special services and amenities for passengers with disabilities
Contact Info
Official Name: Dubai International Airport
Address: Dubai International Airport PO Box 2525 Dubai UAE
Phone Number: +971 4 224 5555
Official Website: https://www.dubaiairports.ae/
The City of Dubai
Dubai is a relatively “new city”. Verily, until the 19th century, it wasn’t but an insignificant fishing village. Nowadays, it is considered a luxury destination, known for its fancy shopping options and its avant-garde architecture. From Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world) to the largest shopping mall worldwide (Dubai Mall) and from the artificial Dubai Marina to the cosmopolitan Jumeirah Beach, the city is full of sites and attractions. Nevertheless, the tradition exists side-by-side with its modern character. From its gastronomy to the souks (local markets) and the historical landmarks, the Bedouin culture is almost tangible in every part of Dubai.
FAQs
What is Dubai’s main airport called?
The main airport in Dubai is Dubai International Airport or DXB Airport. The airport is located in the Al Garhoud area, only 14km away from Dubai city center.
How many international airports are there in Dubai?
The city of Dubai is served by two international airports, Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) Airport (Al Maktoum Airport). For the time being, DXB is the main and busiest airport in the area. Nevertheless, as soon as Al Maktoum is completed and fully expanded, the current situation is expected to get reversed.
Is Dubai the busiest airport in the world?
Dubai is the busiest airport in the world when it comes to international passenger traffic. Moreover, it is considered one of the busiest airports globally concerning overall passenger traffic.
Where is Dubai Airport?
Dubai International Airport lies in the Al Garhoud area. The airport is 14km away from Dubai downtown or a 20-minute drive under normal traffic conditions.
How many terminals are there in Dubai Airport?
DXB Airport has three terminals. Terminal 1 shelters Gates D, while the Emirates and Qantas terminal 3, lying adjacent to terminal 1, houses the concourses A, B, and C. On the other hand, terminal 2 is placed 5-10 minutes away from the other two terminal buildings.
What are the transportation options from Dubai Airport?
Dubai Airport is well connected to downtown Dubai as well as its surrounding areas. Thus, apart from comfortable airport taxis, DXB passengers can opt for the bus or the subway. On the other hand, Dubai airport transfers are, without any doubt, the most lavish transfer option from DXB Airport. In contrast, airport car rentals are ideal for travelers wishing to visit Dubai and its nearby attractions at their own pace.