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
