Dubai International boosts capacity to 90 million passengers with new concourse
British Airways 105 becomes the first flight to arrive at the new Concourse D at Dubai International
Dubai International today increased its capacity from 75 million to 90 million per year with the opening of Concourse D.
The project is the result of a US$1.2 billion investment to enhance service and boost capacity for the more than 70 international airlines that will now call it home.
“We continue to invest in the development of top-flight infrastructure to augment service levels for our international airlines and their customers while providing the capacity needed to meet growing demand,” said Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of Dubai Airports.
“Concourse D has been designed with the customer at its heart.
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“Shorter walking distances, more comfortable seating areas, more choice in lounges and a world-class retail and F&B offering are sure to impress and delight our passengers and our airline partners.”
The first flight to be welcomed at the facility was today’s British Airways’ flight 105.
This historic first operation followed months of intensive testing and a successful operational trial involving 2,000 members of the public earlier this month.
The trial volunteers played the role of passengers arriving at, departing from and transiting through Concourse D, testing way-finding signage, food and retail outlets and the flow of passenger traffic within the new building.
Two airlines will operate from Concourse D on day one (British Airways, Royal Jordanian) with the remainder phasing in operations over the next several weeks.
“Aside from its many customer-centric features, Concourse D continues our legacy of providing timely capacity,” said Paul Griffiths, chief executive, Dubai Airports.
“Today we also announce our 2016 forecast which projects 85 million passengers will visit Dubai International this year.
“With the addition of Concourse D, Dubai International is getting both bigger and better.”
The concourse is linked to the newly renovated Terminal 1 by a dedicated airport train that can transport 300 passengers per trip.
Designed around a central atrium, Concourse D offers short walks to open gates, which will allow travellers to board directly from the waiting area, giving them more freedom and time to enjoy the full array of exciting food and beverage outlets.
Dubai International is the world’s number one hub for international passenger traffic.