Dubai airport to return to full capacity in two weeks: Sheikh Ahmed

Before pandemic, the airport connected more than 240 destinations across six continents on more than 100 airlines

Dubai airports will return to full capacity following the re-opening of its last closed concourse in two weeks as the aviation industry recovers from a turbulent spell brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, its top official says.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), chairman of Dubai Airports and chairman and CEO of Emirates Group, said Dubai International Airport (DXB) will return to full capacity for the first time since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

““Through strategic planning, world-class measures and advanced technology, we have shown that we can overcome any challenge,” Sheikh Ahmed said at a press conference on Monday to share details about forthcoming Dubai Airshow, starting November 14.

Dubai Airports reopened Terminal 1 at Dubai International Airport in June after a 15-month closure due to the coronavirus pandemic. Terminal 1 has an annual passenger capacity of 18 million passengers while the airport is capable of handling up to 100 million passengers annually.

“A pragmatic response that focused on protecting the health and well-being of the people as a top priority while minimising the impact of the crisis on the nation’s economy. A response that was backed by our ability to adapt quickly to maintain our hard-earned position as one of the world’s most important aviation, tourism and trade hubs,” Sheikh Ahmed said.

“By welcoming international leaders and experts from across the globe, we are paving the way for new partnerships that will drive recovery and future growth,” he added.

Before pandemic, the airport connected more than 240 destinations across six continents on more than 100 airlines.

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Incredible aviation recovery

Paul Griffiths, chief executive of Dubai Airports, expects a quick turnaround in aviation industry as travel demand picked up following reopening of borders.

“The aviation industry may return to pre-pandemic levels before 2025 due to incredible growth in the past few weeks.

“We may achieve full recovery before 2025. Dubai Airports is expected to exceed its 28 million international passengers target this year,” Griffiths told Khaleej Times at the event.

Dubai International Airport is expected to grow eight per cent to 28 million this year on the back of the reopening of Terminal 1 on June 24 and ease in travel restrictions after successful vaccination drive in the region. In 2020, passenger traffic plummeted 70 per cent to 25.9 million from 86.4 million in 2019.

— muzaffarrizvi@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai