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Who we are
Dubai Airports owns and manages the operation and development of both of Dubai's airports - Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC).
Commitment to excellence
At Dubai Airports, we're not just overseeing Dubai's two airports, DXB and DWC – we're shaping the future of global aviation. With a commitment to sustainable growth and operational excellence, we balance the needs of diverse stakeholders to ensure seamless collaboration and maintain our airports' operational resilience.
Celebrating a decade on the top
In 2023, DXB proudly welcomed 87 million guests, reaffirming its status as the world's leading international airport for the tenth consecutive year. Connected to over 250 destinations by more than 100 international carriers, DXB has established itself as a preeminent global hub.
DWC: Pioneering the future
Meanwhile, DWC embodies Dubai's bold vision for aviation's future, with massive expansion plans set to redefine air travel. With a record US$35 billion investment, DWC will accommodate 150 million guests annually by the next decade, expanding ultimately to cater to 260 million guests and 12 million tonnes of cargo. Featuring five runways and cutting-edge design, DWC aims to set new benchmarks in efficiency and guest experience for the next half-century.
Safe, secure, and sustainable aviation
Our focus remains on delivering secure, safe, and efficient services that the guest experience while ensuring sustainable business practices. Join us on our journey as we continue to innovate and lead the evolution of global aviation.
Our story
1959
Work to build ‘Dubai airport’ began on a vast expanse of a wasteland some four kilometres from what was then the edge of the city of Dubai.
1960
The airport comprising a sand compacted runway and a small terminal building was opened on 30 September and was capable of handling aircraft up to the size of a DC-3.
1963
Work to build an asphalt runway began. It was opened in 1965 together with numerous other newly built or refurbished facilities.
1969
DXB accommodated nine airlines serving a total of 20 destinations.
1970
The 70s witnessed many developments across DXB, starting with a new three-storey terminal building, a new control tower, additional taxiways, lengthening of the runway, extension of aprons, airfield lighting and landing instrument.
1980
On 23 December 1980, Dubai International became an ordinary member of the Airports Council International (ACI).
1983
Dubai Duty Free began operations at DXB. From an annual turnover of US$20 million in its inaugural year, DDF has grown to acquire the status of the world’s single largest airport retailer with a turnover of US$2.16 billion in 2023.
1984
The second runway, equipped with the latest meteorological, airfield lighting and instrument landing systems to give the airport a Category II classification, was opened in April 1984.
1985
Emirates airline is launched.
1988
Passenger traffic at the airport increased to 4.3 million and more than doubled in a decade to 9.7 million by 1998.
1998
Terminal 2 was opened, increasing DXB’s capacity by 2 million passengers per annum.
2000
The opening of Concourse 1 (now Concourse C), marked the start of a new chapter in Dubai’s aviation history. Built as part of the first phase of the general expansion project at a cost of AED 2 billion, the Terminal increased airport's capacity from 10 million passengers per annum to 23 million passengers.
2002
Dubai International was ranked the second fastest growing airport in the world according to Airports Council International (ACI) traffic statistics. The facility handled around 18 million passengers in 2003 and was firmly established as the aviation hub of the Middle East.
2007
Department of Civil Aviation is restructured leading to the formation of Dubai Airports –operator of Dubai’s airports – alongside Dubai Civil Aviation Authority – the local aviation regulatory body.
2008
Dubai Airports opened the much-awaited DXB Terminal 3 was opened for the exclusive use of Emirates airline. The terminal expanded the airport’s annual passenger capacity to 60 million and the aviation industry worldwide
2009
Passenger traffic surpasses the 40 million-mark making DXB the world’s fastest growing airport among top 50 hubs.
Work begins on Concourse A and Terminal 2 undergoes refurbishment for the launch of flydubai, Dubai’s second carrier.
2010
Dubai Airports opens the first phase of Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) for cargo operations on June 27.
2013
Concourse A, the world’s largest facility purpose built for the A380 opens at DXB.
2014
DXB welcomes 70.4 million passengers in 2014 to become the world’s number 1 airport for international passenger traffic.
2016
Concourse D, a $1.2 billion state-of-the-art facility serving 60+ international carriers, operating out of Terminal 1 opens.
2018
DXB welcomes its one billionth international passenger.
2019
DXB achieves Level 3 of ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation Programme.
2020
Operations at DXB are partially suspended on March 25, 2020 as part of measures by UAE authorities to combat the spread of COVID-19.
2020
Dubai's aviation sector joins forces to help return thousands of people to their homes on special repatriation flights.
2020
DXB becomes one of the first major hubs globally to reopen on July 7, 2020 after partial suspension of operations on March 25 (special flights, repatriation operations and cargo flights continued throughout).
2021
DXB reopens Terminal 1 and Concourse D on June 24 after 15 months. The facilities were closed on March 25, 2020 following the suspension of operations at DXB as part of the measures to control the spread of Covid-19.
2021
Dubai Airports, Dubai Health Authority and Pure Health open a 20,000 square-foot in airport lab with 100,000 tests per day capacity.
2022
Dubai Airports completes the 45-day rehabilitation project for DXB's northern runway on June 22.
2023
DXB received accreditation from the Airports Council International (ACI) under its Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation Programme, a first-of-its-kind initiative that recognises global airports’ commitment to accessible travel operations.
2024
DXB retains its position as the world's number one airport for international passenger traffic for the 10th year running.
