Dubai Airport (DXB)

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. 

The airport has three terminal buildings, with two of them (terminals 1 and 3) being side by side and terminal 2 lying a 5-10-minute drive from the other two terminals. 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.

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.