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
