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.
