Emirates, flydubai may operate from a single terminal

dubai - Proposals to improve connections for passengers between the two airlines are under consideration

Emirates and flydubai could use the same terminal at Dubai International Airport, after expanding their commercial relationship earlier this year, the head of the airport operator said.

Emirates exclusively uses Terminal 3 with the exception of some Qantas flights which will end next year. Budget airline flydubai shares Terminal 2 with other carriers.

Proposals to improve connections for passengers between the two airlines are under consideration, including whether it's feasible for them to operate out of Terminal 3.

"We need to make a strategic decision about how the traffic distribution will work," Dubai Airports chief executive Paul Griffiths told Reuters on Thursday. "Then we need to move quickly into a design and construction phase to build whatever facilities are necessary for that, or adapt existing facilities around the new business model."

Emirates and flydubai agreed in July to coordinate on network planning, schedules and frequent flyer programmes, and said they would align airport systems and operations.

"What we are trying to do is see if we can get some sort of operating model established with them that will mean the infrastructure is shared on a more operational basis" Griffiths said.

A flydubai spokeswoman confirmed talks on how to improve passenger connectivity were underway. Emirates declined to comment.

"We've got a series of proposals which hopefully before the end of the month will be evaluated and agreed," Griffiths said. - Reuters