It is not too difficult to guess why this would be the world’s busiest airport. First-timers cannot stop gaping and wondering at the huge number of dazzling surprises waiting to greet them at Dubai airport itself. The place is massive, out-of-the-world, and simply fantastical to be in!
To start with a few facts, the airport officially opened on September 30th, 1960. Then it consisted only of a single runway, a small terminal building, and a control tower. However, today the structure has undergone extensive facelifts, upgrades, and expansions and features as one of the most modern airports in the world. It is estimated that it receives an annual footfall of more than 25 million every year.
How to Contact
Address
Dubai Airport (DXB)
PO Box 2525,
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Support
Phone: +971 4 224 5555
Web: Report Lost and Found
There are three terminals at DXB (as the airport is called for short). DXB is the International Air Transport Association airport code for Dubai International Airport, which is the primary international airport serving Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is located in the Al Garhoud district, which is about 4.6 miles east of the city center.
The airport is as good as a city featuring some of the best-in-class restaurants and cafes, and deluxe shopping areas with high-end stores like Dior, Gucci, Cartier, etc operating inside the premises. If you have a prolonged waiting time, worry not. There are lots of things to check out at the airport, like marveling at the exquisite sculptures and artwork installations, indulging in some refreshing window-shopping if not shopping per se, picking up a few things at the Dubai duty-free shops, and so much more.
Do not be surprised to hear that the airport is as big as 297 football fields. Yes, seriously! A day spent at the airport is never enough to check out all its gems and attractions — it is that massive! If you fear getting lost but still wish to check out your favorite stores while you wait for your flight, visit the airport’s official website, to find their exact locations.
DXB is sleek and sassy. It also houses the Dubai International Hotel inside it which serves as a transit hotel for passengers with long layovers. The hotel features comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and a fitness center.
Overview of Terminals
Dubai International Airport consists of three terminals, each with its unique features and services. Here is an overview of each terminal:
Terminal 1 — This terminal is the main hub for international airlines such as Emirates, Qantas, and British Airways. It has three levels and features a variety of shops, restaurants, and lounges. The terminal also offers duty-free shopping, currency exchange, and ATMs.
Terminal 2 — This terminal mainly serves regional and low-cost carriers such as flydubai. It has two levels and offers a range of facilities. There are also prayer rooms, smoking lounges, and a medical center.
Terminal 3 — This is the largest airport terminal in the world and exclusively serves Emirates Airlines. It features world-class amenities and facilities, with over 100 shops, restaurants, and lounges, including duty-free shops and luxury brand stores. There are showers, spas, and a hotel inside this three-level terminal. You have ample parking garages as well.
All three terminals are connected by a complimentary shuttle bus service that runs 24/7. Additionally, the airport has a modern transportation hub that includes taxi services, car rentals, and public transport options, such as buses and trains.
How to Check Arrivals and Departures
To check arrivals and departures at Dubai International Airport, you may visit the official website of the airport, and click on the ‘Find your Flight’ tab on the home page. It will instantly display a list of all arrivals and departures with the terminal number, time, flight number, and status. You can enter your flight number to view its status.
The website will display the relevant information such as the scheduled and actual arrival/departure time, the airline, the flight number, and the gate number. You can also access the flight information through the Dubai Airports app, which is available for download on both the App Store and Google Play.
Lounges at the Airport
Dubai International Airport has a variety of lounges available for passengers, ranging from airline-specific lounges to independent lounges available to all passengers for a fee. The main and popular ones at the airport have been listed below —
Emirates Lounge — One of the largest and most luxurious lounges at the airport. It offers gourmet cuisine, showers, spa treatments, and even a cigar bar.
Emirates First Class Lounge — This is exclusively available for passengers traveling by Emirates First Class. It has amenities such as a spa, fine dining options, and a cigar bar.
Dubai International Business Class Lounge — The lounge is available to all passengers traveling in business class on any airline. It features a buffet, bar, and shower facilities.
Dubai International First Class Lounge — The lounge is available to all passengers traveling in first class on any airline. It has the same facilities and amenities as the business-class lounge.
The Qantas Lounge — The lounge is available to Qantas passengers traveling in first or business class, as well as Qantas Platinum One, Platinum, and Gold frequent flyers. It offers a range of food and beverage options, including a barista coffee service.
Marhaba Lounge — This is an independent lounge that offers a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere for all passengers, regardless of the airline or class of travel. It features complimentary food and drinks, free Wi-Fi, and shower facilities.
Other Facilities and Amenities at Dubai International Airport
Being tagged as one of the busiest, largest, and most modernized airports in the world, Dubai International Airport is equipped with a range of facilities and amenities to cater to the needs of its passengers. Let’s check them out below —
Duty-free Shopping — The airport is renowned for its extensive, duty-free shopping options, offering a wide range of products to travelers from luxury brands to local souvenirs.
Restaurants and Cafes — There is a diverse range of restaurants and cafes inside the airport offering international and gourmet cuisine to satisfy your taste buds.
Lounges — As pointed out in the previous section, the airport has an excellent collection of lounges for people traveling in first and business classes, as also for those with lounge memberships.
Prayer Rooms — There are dedicated prayer rooms for people practicing Islam and other religions inside the airport.
Showers — Long layovers can be fatiguing and passengers can look forward to taking quick, refreshing showers at various locations throughout the airport or at the airline-specific and independent lounges that come with many other features.
Wi-Fi — The Wi-Fi facility is complimentary for travelers throughout the airport which makes it convenient for them to stay connected.
Currency Exchange — There are numerous currency exchange outlets at the airport, making it easy for passengers to exchange their money.
Medical Center — The medical center at the airport is equipped with trained medical staff and facilities to attend to emergencies and assist passengers with health-related issues.
Children’s Play Area — Children can get distracted and irritable during long waits for flights at the airport. There are dedicated play areas for children at Dubai International Airport, and this comes as good news for the young ones and a huge relief for their parents.
Car Rentals — If you are new to Dubai and do not have family or friends to ferry you home or to the hotel, worry not. Numerous car rental companies have counters at the airport to make visits and trips easy and hassle-free for tourists.
Please note that the above are just a few of the many facilities that the airport has to offer to its travel patrons.
