A temporary terminal with a capacity of up to seven million passengers per year will be ready at Al Maktoum International Airport in Jebel Ali in the third quarter of 2009, relieving pressure on the busy Dubai International Airport.When the facility becomes operational, it will take over all Terminal 2 operations, said Khalifa Al Zafein, executive chairman of the Dubai World Central project, which comprises the new airport and a host of other logistics and aviation facilities.

 

Eventually the airport will have two mega terminals, six runways and six concourses with a capacity of more than 120 million passengers annually. The first runway is undergoing certification now.

Al Zafein said there is no plan to have an exclusive terminal dedicated to budget carriers. Reports had earlier suggested that the terminal currently being built was for budget airlines.

“There is no such thing planned,” Al Zafein told reporters yesterday, adding that all types of airlines will be able to use the facility opening late next year.

To cope with rising passenger numbers, the present airport is expected to open Terminal 3 this year, and work on Concourse 3 has started.

The airport’s capacity is expected to rise to 70 million passengers a year by 2015.

“Dubai International Airport plans to enhance and then to outgrow its current status as a large hub in the region and enter the world stage to become the world’s leading international airport hub,” Al Zafein said, adding that the projected passenger numbers will be supported by growth in tourism.

He said since 2000 Dubai air traffic has experienced double-digit annual growth in both passengers and cargo.

As many as 600 suppliers of goods and services from 40 countries will take part in the June 2-4 Airport Show in Dubai. The event will focus on airport construction, operations, technology and services.
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