What a transformation….
From its sand runways and single terminal in 1960, DXB has undergone a remarkable transformation. It’s now one of the world’s busiest and most advanced airports.
Here’s a timeline of this incredible airport –
1959 – work began on a vast expanse of wasteland around 4km from the city of Dubai
1960 – the airport consisted of a sand compacted runway and a small terminal building which was opened on 30 September. Capable of handling aircraft up to the size of a DC3. Initially there were only 3 flights daily, one operated by MEA
1963 – work began on building an asphalt runway
1965 – new runway opened with other newly built or refurbished facilities
1970s – saw many developments across DXB, including a new 3-storey terminal building, new control tower, additional taxiways, runway lengthening, apron extensions, airfield lighting and landing instruments
1980 – DXB became ordinary member of the Airports Council International (ACI)
1985 – Emirates operated its first flights DXB-KHI and DXB-BOM using a B737 and A330-B4 wet leased from PIA
1988 – passenger numbers reached 4.3million, more than doubling in a decade to 9.7million in 1998
2000 – Concourse 1 (now Concourse C) opened, marking a new chapter in Dubai’s aviation history. The first phase of a general expansion project, it cost AED2bn. The terminal increased the airport’s capacity from 10million to 23million
2005 – work began on Terminal 3 Concourse B
2008 – Terminal 3 opened, for Emirates exclusive use. The world’s largest single terminal expanded DXB’s capacity to 60 million, winning accolades from passengers and the aviation industry worldwide
2009 – Terminal 2 undergoes major refurbishment for the launch of Dubai’s own low-cost airline, flydubai
2013 – Concourse A opens. The world’s largest facility purpose built for the A380
2019 – DXB retains title of world’s busiest airport for international passengers. For the 5th successive year, with 89.1million
2025 – DXB records 92.3 million guests in 2024 annual traffic, the highest in its 65-year history
So, what does the future hold for DXB?
In a single sentence, all services will move to Al Maktoum (DWC).
It’s planned to move all operations by 2032. Even with many technological advancements DXB can only stretch to a maximum of 110-115 million passengers per year. Once it is completed, DWC will be able to handle 260 million. Airlines are being encouraged to make a phased migration from DXB to DWC, with airlines taking up slots at DWC when DXB isn’t available. Full migration is expected to be completed in the 2050s. DXB then closes as it will have reached the end of its useful operating life. There’s no sense in keeping open an airport only 70km from DWC that will need huge investment for it to remain viable. As yet, there’s no official development plan for DXB. Moving the airport to Dubai South could have a significant impact on improving traffic around the city. Growth of Dubai will be centred around the Sharjah border but that’s for the future!
In other news –
Play – the Icelandic airline, successor to Wow, ceased trading. After the initial fanfare of stating it would be a viable competitor to Icelandair, a restructuring to offer leisure flights to popular European destinations would not save the airline.
Braathens International – filed for bankruptcy. This only affects their Airbus operations, ATR services still operating.
Boeing – many aviation media sources are reporting that the CEO has stated the work will begin on the MAX replacement in 2031. Have they finally realised that a 757 successor, branded 797, is a far better proposition than continuing with an airframe that started life before man set foot on the moon!
And finally –
Lufthansa - recently announced intention to start phasing out B747-400, B747-800F and A340
Condor – now saying goodbye to its 757-300s as they take delivery of further A330neos. D-ABOJ recently departed DUS, escorted to the runway by airport operations vehicles. Its flight to DGX followed by many enthusiasts. No doubt fuselage tags, etc will soon be available for sale.
Information courtesy of Gulf News, Time Out
Images courtesy of Time Out, Condor
©TPSC, LadyJet2 and photo/diagram suppliers