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
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