Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the primary airport in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It’s the busiest airport globally for international travelers because it handles many passengers. This airport is also among the top airports for Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 flights and has a high average number of passengers on each flight.
Location
Dubai International Airport is located in the Al Garhoud district, about 2.5 nautical miles (4.6 km; 2.9 mi) east of Dubai. It spread over an area of 7,200 acres (2,900 ha) of land. Terminal 3, within the airport, holds the distinction of being the second-largest building globally in terms of floor space and is the largest airport terminal worldwide. In July 2019, Dubai Airport set up a big solar energy system to help Dubai cut 30% of its energy use by 2030.
| Elevation AMSL | Geographical Coordinates |
|---|---|
| 62 ft / 19 m | 25°15′10″N 055°21′52″E |
Dubai International Airport traffic (Before and after the Pandemic)
- In 2017, Dubai International Airport managed:
- 88 Million Passengers
- 2.65 Million Tonnes of Cargo
- 409,493 Aircraft Moves
- During the Pandemic in 2021, Dubai International Airport managed:
- 29.1 Million Passengers
- 373,261 Aircraft Moves
- 2,514,918 Cargo (Metric Tonnes)
In 2023, DXB also raised its full-year passenger forecast to 85 million from 83.5 million and expects record-breaking numbers during winter.
Services & Facilities at Dubai International Airport
At DXB, every kind of lavish facility is available, which you can’t imagine. Dubai is the Heaven of Earth. Here is the list of some prominent facilities present at Dubai International Airport:
Ground Handling
- Dnata manages ground handling at Dubai Airport.
- Emirates Airlines employs 2000+ airport staff.
- They provide cargo and technical support services.
Aircraft Maintenance
The Emirates Engineering Department in Dubai manages aircraft maintenance and engine test cell technical facilities. Their current Facilities may include:
- Seven a380-capable hangars
- An aircraft painting hangar
- Aircraft engine run-up facility enclosure
- Engineering line maintenance facility
- Engine test cell
- Aircraft spare parts store
Passengers Services
The airport boasts 26,000 m2 (280,000 sq ft) of retail space across its three main terminals. Terminal No 2 features a 1,400 m2 (15,000 sq ft) duty-free shopping area in departures and 50 m2 (540 sq ft) in arrivals. An extension of 3,437 square meters (37,000 sq ft) expanded the arrivals hall. Upgrades to retail areas in Terminals 1 and 2 since 2004 boosted sales. Dubai Duty-Free reported Dhs5.9 billion (US$1.6 billion) in annual sales in 2012, a 10% increase from the previous year. In 2008, they doubled retail space to 15,000 m2 (161,000 sq ft) with the opening of Emirates Terminal 3.
In August 2009, Dubai Duty-Free was the world’s largest single airport retail operation. This airport stands ahead of Heathrow in London and Incheon Airport in Seoul. The airport may offer:
- Duty-free Shops
- Medical Stores
- ATMs
- Currency Exchange Bureaus
- Dining Options
- Two Open-air Garden Areas
- Multiple Business Centers
- Internet, Games,Prayer Rooms
- Showers, Spas, Gyms, Pools
- Three hotels are available in terminals 1 and 2.
- Lounges
- Play areas for children
- TVs showing news, movies, and sports.
- Terminal 3 offers a luggage storage service.
Lounges at Dubai International Airport
Lounges provide you with the luxury experience at the airport and are an important part of the flying process for many people. There are many VIP Lounges offered at the Dubai International Airport. Here are the names of some VIP lounges at DXB:
Terminal 1, Concourse D
- Ahlan Business Class Lounge
- Ahlan First Class Lounge
- British Airways Galleries Lounge and Concorde Bar
- Lufthansa Business Lounge
- Lufthansa Senator Lounge
- Marhaba Lounge
- SkyTeam Lounge
- Sleep ‘N Fly Sleep Lounge
Terminal 2
- Flydubai Business Class Lounge
- Marhaba Lounge
Terminal 3
- Jumeirah Airport Lounge
- Their Patio by Plaza Premium Group
Terminal 3, Concourse A
- Ahlan Lounge at Gate A1
- Emirates First Class Lounge
- Marhaba Lounge
- Plaza Premium Lounge
- sleep ‘n fly Sleep Lounge
- The Emirates Business Class Lounge
Terminal 3, Concourse B
- Emirates First Class Lounge
- Lounge @ B
- Marhaba Lounge
- Sleep n’ Fly Sleep Lounge, Business Pods and Showers
- The Emirates Business Class Lounge
Terminal 3, Concourse C
- Dubai International Hotel (Concourse C)
- Sleep n’ Fly Sleep Lounge
- Marhaba Lounge
Safety and security at Dubai International Airport
The Civil Aviation Authority of Dubai manages the overall security at DXB.
- Pre-screening happens at all airport terminals when you enter.
- UAE Airports use iris scanning to check identities. It stops serious criminals deported from coming back.
- CCTV cameras are installed throughout the airport to monitor passenger activity and deter crime.
According to 7days Newspaper in 2008, A senior Dubai judge stated, “These laws help discourage anyone from carrying or using drugs. Even if the amount of illegal drugs found is 0.05 grams, they will be found guilty. The penalty is a minimum of 4 years if it is for personal use. The message is clear: drugs will not be tolerated.” A number of travelers have been held pending charges while Dubai authorities test their possessions, blood, and urine for any trace of contraband.
In 2018, a Houthi rebel group claimed that Dubai airport had been attacked by drones launched by Houthi rebels from Yemen. In response, Dubai Airports stated, “With regards to reports by questionable sources this morning, Dubai Airports can confirm that Dubai International (DXB) is operating as normal without any interruption”.
Safety Measures at Dubai International Airport
DXB is also committed to its passengers’ and staff’s health and safety. DXB Security department has implemented several measures to prevent the spread of diseases, such as COVID-19.
These measures may include:
Temperature screening
All passengers and staff are subject to temperature screening at various points throughout the airport.
Mask requirements
Masks are required to be worn by all passengers and staff in the airport.
Social distancing
Signage and floor markings have been placed throughout the airport to remind passengers to maintain physical distancing.
Enhanced cleaning and sanitation
The airport has increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfection in high-touch areas such as handrails, elevators, counters, and restrooms.
You can also read: A Guide to the Public Transportation in Dubai
DXB Transportation System
From Dubai International Airport, passengers have many options for transportation to move around.
Bus
Taxis
Metro
Car Rental
Transportation System between Terminals
| Airport Shuttle | Dubai Metro | Can Walk |
|---|---|---|
| The free Airport Shuttle connects Terminals 1, 2, and 3. It operates 24/7 and departs every 10-15 minutes. | Passengers can also use the Dubai Metro to travel between Terminals 1 and 3. | Walking between Terminals 2 and 3 is possible, but this is not recommended due to the heat. |
Contact info
| Website | https://www.dubaiairports.ae/ |
| Phone | +971 4 224 5555 |
| Code | DXB |
| WMO Code | 41194 |
| Time zone | UTC/GMT +4 hours |
