DXB operates at 100 per cent capacity

Visitors to Dubai exceeded one million during October and DXB reached the milestone of one million passengers per week in November, with origin-destination passengers reaching 94 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. The passenger numbers are likely to reach 28.9 million by 2021-end, 2.1 million more than the September 2021 forecast.

Following the opening of the final phase of Concourse A at Dubai International’s (DXB) Terminal 3, the world’s busiest international airport is 100 per cent operational with all terminals, concourses, lounges, restaurants, and retail outlets now open.

“Reaching to the point where 100 per cent of our facilities are now open and serving customers, plus the huge resurgence in passengers arriving into Dubai marks an important milestone for the aviation sector and for the city of Dubai and its economic growth. We took measures to implement latest hygiene and health protocols, fast track PCR testing facilities, and enhanced customer service and guest support resources to ensure the comfort, convenience and safety of travellers – this has resulted in a recovery towards pre-pandemic levels of passengers,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports.

He also added, “This is because of team effort. Our employees and stakeholders have responded magnificently to the significant challenge of getting DXB back up and running at 100 per cent capacity.”

The journey back to full operations following the closure in March 2020 began with the reopening of Terminals 2 and 3 and Concourses B and C for normal inbound passenger operations from June 22, 2020, following the easing of international travel regulations for residents by the UAE authorities. Outbound travel for UAE citizens and residents was opened on June 23 while   Dubai Airports reopened Terminal 1 and Concourse D, home to over 60 international airlines, on June 24, 2021.Over past 18 months, there has been a steady increase in passenger traffic which has intensified in recent months.

Traffic reached 10.6 million passengers in the first half of 2021, followed by a robust growth in Q3 of 2021 and a surge in October 2021 which took the year-to-date passenger numbers to 20.7 million.

Paul Griffiths added, “The rate of recovery of DXB has exceeded most other airports and highlights the positive global reputation that Dubai has as an attractive city that has taken decisive steps to protect its visitors and residents.”