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
