Dubai International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving as the primary airport of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is located in the Al Garhoud district, around 4.6 kilometers east of Dubai city center. The airport has undergone several expansions and renovations since its inception in the 1960s, transforming it from a small airfield to a world-class aviation hub. In this article, we will explore the history of Dubai International Airport, including its creation date, planning, and construction, as well as its major milestones and achievements.
History of Dubai International Airport
The history of Dubai International Airport dates back to the 1930s, when the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, realized the need for an airfield to connect Dubai with other cities in the region. In 1959, a small airfield was built in the Al Garhoud area, which later became the site of Dubai International Airport. The airfield had a single runway, a terminal building, and a control tower. At the time, the airport had limited facilities and could only handle a few flights a week.
The Idea of Building a New Airport
As Dubai’s economy grew rapidly in the 1960s and 1970s, so did the demand for air travel. The existing airfield was no longer adequate to meet the needs of the growing city, and a new airport was needed. In 1968, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum appointed a British consultant, John Harris, to develop a plan for a new airport. The plan called for a larger airport with two runways, a larger terminal building, and modern facilities.
Planning and Construction
The construction of Dubai International Airport began in 1971, with the first phase of the project being the construction of a new terminal building and the extension of the existing runway. The terminal building was designed by the British architect, Frederick Gibberd, and featured a modern, futuristic design. The construction of the new terminal building was completed in 1979, and the airport was officially opened on 30 September 1980.
Inauguration: Opening Day
The inauguration of Dubai International Airport was a significant event for the city and the country. Several dignitaries, including Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, attended the opening ceremony. The first flight to land at the new airport was a British Airways flight from London, which was greeted with a water cannon salute. The opening of the new airport marked a new era for aviation in Dubai and the region.
Early Years of Operation
In the early years of its operation, Dubai International Airport served as a regional hub for airlines operating in the Middle East and Asia. The airport had limited facilities, and its capacity was far below the demand for air travel. However, the airport continued to grow, and by the mid-1990s, it had become one of the busiest airports in the region.
Rapid Expansion and Development
In the 2000s, Dubai International Airport underwent a period of rapid expansion and development. Several new terminals were built, and existing terminals were renovated and expanded. The airport’s capacity was increased to handle more than 75 million passengers per year. The expansion and development of the airport played a significant role in the growth of Dubai’s tourism industry and economy.
Major Milestones and Achievements
Over the years, Dubai International Airport has achieved several major milestones and achievements. In 2014, the airport overtook London Heathrow as the world’s busiest airport for international passenger traffic. In 2019, the airport handled over 86 million passengers, making it the world’s third-busiest airport by passenger traffic. The airport has also won several awards for its facilities and services, including the Best Airport in the Middle East award by Skytrax.
Current Status
Dubai International Airport continues to grow and expand, with several new projects in the pipeline. In 2020, the airport opened a new terminal, Terminal 3, which is dedicated to handling Emirates airline flights. The airport is also working on expanding its capacity to handle more than 100 million passengers per year. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the aviation industry, and Dubai International Airport has seen a decline in passenger traffic.
Conclusion
Dubai International Airport has come a long way since its inception in the 1960s. From a small airfield to a world-class aviation hub, the airport has played a significant role in the development of Dubai’s economy and tourism industry. With its modern facilities, efficient services, and strategic location, Dubai International Airport is set to continue its growth and development in the years to come.
References
- "Dubai Airports History", Dubai Airports,
- "Dubai International Airport", World Airports Guide, https://www.airports-guides.com/airport-info/dubai-international-168.aspx
- "Dubai International Airport", Skytrax,
FAQs and Interesting Facts
- When was Dubai International Airport created? Dubai International Airport was created in 1959, with a small airfield in the Al Garhoud area.
- Who designed the new terminal building of Dubai International Airport? The new terminal building of Dubai International Airport was designed by the British architect, Frederick Gibberd.
- What was the capacity of Dubai International Airport in the early years of its operation? The capacity of Dubai International Airport in the early years of its operation was far below the demand for air travel, with limited facilities.
- What is the current status of Dubai International Airport? Dubai International Airport is working on expanding its capacity to handle more than 100 million passengers per year, but has seen a decline in passenger traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
