DUBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT is considered the Middle East's premier and busiest airport. In 2003, a total of 18 million passengers passed through the airport registering a 13% growth over 2002. 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, 60 million passengers are expected to use Dubai International Airport by 2010. With these figures in mind, the Department of Civil Aviation began the 2nd phase of expansion costing US$ 4.1bn in the first quarter of 2002. The expansion is scheduled to be completed by 2006. This phase will include Terminal 3, Concourse 2 and Concourse 3. (For details check Future Plan).

History

Dubai International Airport was established in 1959 when the late Ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, ordered the construction of the first airfield. Located only 4 kilometres away from the city centre on a wide, level expanse of gravel and hard sand, the site was chosen not just for its proximity to town but also with future expansion in mind.

The initial airfield consisted of a 1,800 m compacted runway, an apron area, a small but adequate terminal building and a fire station. Opened in 1960, the new airport was capable of handling aircraft up to the size of a DC-3.

The present day

From 9 airlines serving some 20 destinations in 1969, Dubai International Airport has grown to accommodate 100 airlines connecting to over 140 destinations in the first half of 2002

Anticipating the travel demands of the 21st century, the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation had launched a US$540 million expansion programme in 1997 which was designed to turn Dubai International Airport into an even more user-friendly and efficient airport. This phase of expansion culminated with the opening of Sheikh Rashid Terminal in April 2000.

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