Dubai
International Airport is considered the
Middle East’s premier and busiest airport.
In 2001, despite the impact of global events,
it registered a 10% growth in passengers
throughput which totaled 13.5 million. The
ACI traffic statistics have ranked Dubai
International Airport as one of the fastest
growing airport in the world.
Anticipating
the travel demands of the 21st century,
the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation commenced
a US$540 million expansion program in 1997
which was completed with the opening of
the Sheikh Rashid Terminal in 2000. Dubai
International Airport at present has the
capacity to handle 22 million passengers
annually.
However, according to projections, 30 million
passengers are expected to use Dubai International
Airport by 2010. With these figures in mind,
the Department of Civil Aviation is set
to begin the 2nd phase of expansion costing
US$ 2.5 bn in the first quarter of 2002
to be completed by 2006. This phase will
include Terminal 3, Concourse 2 and Concourse
3. (For details check Future Plan).
Remarkable
growth for Dubai International Airport –
16 million passengers register a 18% growth
in 2002
