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Dubai’s journey to become the world’s first aviation capital began on September 30, 1960, with the opening of Dubai International Airport, which today celebrates the 64th anniversary of the launch of its first flight, recording several achievements in the global aviation industry, after it was able to move the nucleus of aviation eastward and changed the “rules of the game.” » In air transport.

Over the past six decades, Dubai International has continued to record record growth rates, becoming the largest global hub for passenger and cargo movement. Since its opening until the end of last year, the airport has received more than 1.3 billion passengers, and has been able to reshape the global travel scene, while adopting the latest technologies. Technological innovations and solutions that ensure the smooth passage of millions of passengers through its gates annually.

Dubai International maintained its first position as the largest airport in the world in terms of the number of international passengers during the year 2023, for the 10th year in a row, leading the international travel movement in the world. The airport jumped from fifth to second place on the list of the busiest airports in the world for the year 2023, succeeding for the first time in reaching second place in the world in terms of the total number of passengers: local and international.

Officials confirmed to Emirates Today that the airport has witnessed amazing growth and exceptional transformation, as it is not just an air transport facility, but rather a gateway for the exchange of cultures and ideas, and a major supporter of global air traffic.

Director General of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, said: “From its first moment, Dubai International Airport has been the UAE’s window to the world. Over the decades, it has witnessed amazing growth and exceptional transformation, becoming today one of the most important airports at the regional and international levels, and an essential pillar in supporting the national economy and enhancing its global competitiveness, as it annually receives more than 90 million passengers from around the world.

Al Suwaidi added: “This pioneering journey would not have been achieved without the wise vision of the UAE’s leadership and its continued commitment to developing the aviation sector in accordance with the highest international standards.”

He continued: “Dubai International Airport is not just an air transport facility, but rather a gateway for the exchange of cultures and ideas, and a major supporter of global air traffic. We are confident that the airport, under the vision and directives of the wise leadership, will continue its growth, progress and prosperity, strengthening the country’s position as one of the most important aviation centers in the world, and enhancing the UAE’s role as a bridge linking the entire world.”

Al Suwaidi said: “Dubai Airport is a dream that began in the fifties and was realized in the sixties. Today, it leads the world as the busiest airport. There are no words more eloquent than the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, to describe this exceptional journey: (The impossible is a point of view, and the world opens doors to those who know what they want).”

For his part, Director General of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Mohammed Abdullah Linjawi, said: “Today we celebrate a historical anniversary that represents one of the most prominent achievements of the UAE, which is the 64th anniversary of the opening of Dubai International Airport, and the operation of the first flight on September 30, 1960.”

He added: “Since that day, Dubai International Airport has become not only Dubai’s gateway to the world, but rather a global hub linking East and West, contributing to strengthening the emirate’s position as a leading economic and commercial center in the world, achieving several achievements in the global aviation industry, and continuing to record growth rates.” record during the recent period.

He continued: “Over the decades, the airport has developed into one of the largest and most important airports in the world, receiving millions of passengers annually and facilitating the movement of goods and services between global markets. Today, the airport continues to play its vital role in enabling trade and travel, with its continuous support for innovation, providing exceptional services, and ensuring the highest standards of security and safety,” stressing that this achievement would not have been achieved without the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Chairman of the Council of Ministers. Ministers and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, and the dedication of workers in this vital sector.

He added: “We at the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority are constantly looking forward to continuing to achieve leadership in providing innovative opportunities, to enhance the infrastructure of the civil aviation sector, by attracting investment in the aviation industry in the Emirate of Dubai and enhancing its position to become the first global aviation capital.”

In the same context, Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said: “Today we celebrate the 64th anniversary of the launch of Dubai International Airport, and we recall with pride the exceptional achievements that contributed to consolidating its position as a leading global center, and its pivotal role in Dubai’s success story.” .

He added: “Today, our airport connects more than 265 destinations around the world, and its role was not only limited to facilitating the movement of passengers and goods, but it was also a driving force for the economic transformation in Dubai, and strengthened the UAE’s position as a global leader in the aviation industry and trade.”

Griffiths continued: “The secret of our success lies in our distinguished work team, which embodies the values ​​of teamwork, dedication and sincerity. It is the basis of the exceptional experiences that we provide to customers, which makes Dubai International more than just an airport. Rather, it is a global symbol of excellence in service. Its constant endeavor to achieve… The highest standards are the cornerstone of our prestigious reputation that we cherish.”

Griffiths stressed that this anniversary is not just a celebration of infrastructure and innovation; Rather, it is an appreciation of the spirit of cooperation and synergy among all members of the airport community, which is the spirit that always moves us forward. He said: “We are proud of the legacy that we have built with our partners, and we reaffirm our firm commitment to setting new standards of excellence and innovation, and shaping the future of the travel sector with the same passion and vision that have always been a guide for us in our journey so far.”

To watch the video “Dubai International” changes the “rules of the game”, Please click on this link.

The beginnings… a runway compacted with sand

Work began in 1959 to build Dubai Airport on an area of ​​sand, four kilometers from the center of Dubai at that time, and with its opening the following year, the airport, which consisted of a runway compacted with sand, and a small building, was able to handle aircraft up to the size of… «DC-3 plane».

The economic and urban growth in the emirate during 1964 contributed to the influx of investments, which was reflected in a significant increase in passenger traffic through the airport. To increase its capacity, during the following year, the construction of a new asphalt runway was completed instead of the “compressed sand runway,” making the airport ready to receive the largest models of aircraft.

The new asphalt runway was opened in 1965, and the process of modernizing the runway included building and renovating many of the airport’s facilities, to enable it to receive regular night flights. In 1969, Dubai International Airport handled nine international airlines that operated flights to 20 destinations.

Highest level of growth

The 1970s saw many developments throughout Dubai International Airport, from the construction of a new three-storey terminal, a new control tower, as well as increasing the length of the runway, extending the parking aprons, and lighting the airport.

In 1970, Dubai International recorded the highest level of growth in its history, reaching 66%, as the number of passengers rose to more than 524 thousand passengers, compared to 315 thousand passengers in 1960. On December 23, 1980, the airport became a member of the Airports Council International.

“Great Airports Club”

During the period between 1980 and 2010, the air transport sector in Dubai witnessed a number of developments that enhanced the growth process to unprecedented levels. On October 25, 1985, Emirates Airlines launched its first air route with two leased aircraft, a Boeing 737 and an Airbus B4 300. To the Pakistani capital, Karachi.

In 2002, Dubai Airport confirmed its pioneering role in the Middle East, with the launch of the “Emirates Electronic Gate” service to facilitate the movement and procedures of passengers, which was later developed to become smart gates at the highest level of development.

For the first time in its history, in 1997, Dubai International entered the club of major airports, as it ranked sixth on a list of the 10 fastest growing airports in the world, at a rate of 14%, surpassing major international airports in Europe and Asia.

In turn, the airport’s passenger transport rate increased to 4.3 million passengers, then rose to 9.7 million by 1998, and with the opening of Terminal 2, Dubai Airport’s capacity increased by two million passengers annually.

The opening of “Concourse C” marked the beginning of a new chapter in the history of civil aviation in Dubai during the year 2000, as this huge building was constructed as part of the first phase of the general expansion project of the airport at a cost of two billion dirhams, which led to an increase in the airport’s capacity from 10 million passengers to 23. Million passengers annually. In the same year, Dubai International became the first airport in the Middle East to include suspension bridges to load passengers from the airport onto planes, instead of transporting them to them by buses.

Launch of Emirates Airlines

In 1984, the second runway of Dubai Airport was opened, and it is equipped with the latest meteorological systems, airport lighting, and landing gear, giving the airport a second category classification in April of the same year.

The year 1985 marked a pivotal point in the history of Dubai International Airport with the launch of Emirates Airlines, as the carrier grew to become the operator of the largest fleet of wide-body aircraft in the world. By 2020, the carrier’s total fleet reached 270 aircraft with an average age of 6.8 years.

Superiority over London Heathrow

Dubai International Airport achieved a major global achievement by receiving 70.4 million passengers in 2014, becoming the first airport in the world in terms of the number of international passengers, displacing its British counterpart “London Heathrow” from the lead, thus moving the “nucleus of aviation” eastward and changing the rules of the game in air transport. . This achievement reflects Dubai International Airport’s position as a major global gateway, thanks to its wide and growing network of destinations that connect Dubai with the most important international markets. This vital role of the airport contributes to enhancing Dubai’s position as a global business and tourism hub, thus enhancing the emirate’s economic growth. The “Concourse D” building was also opened in 2016, and it is a modern station at a cost of $1.2 billion to serve about 60 international airlines operating from Terminal (1).

One billion passengers..

Dubai International Airport served one billion passengers by the end of 2018. It took 51 years (from September 30, 1960 to December 31, 2011) to reach its first 500 million passengers, but it registered the remaining 500 million passengers in just seven years. The airport also jumped from fifth to second place on the list of the world’s busiest airports for the year 2023, succeeding for the first time in reaching second place in the world in terms of total numbers of passengers: local and international. It is moving forward on its way towards a new race to compete at the top of the world’s largest airports in terms of passenger numbers. Both local and international, and shortening the distance between it and the American Hartsfield Atlanta Airport.

Fastest growing

Dubai International Airport was ranked as the second fastest growing airport in the world in 2002, according to traffic statistics issued by Airports Council International. It also dealt with about 18 million passengers in 2003.

In 2008, Dubai Airports opened Terminal 3 at the airport, for the exclusive use of Emirates Airlines. The smooth opening of the world’s largest single arrivals lounge expanded the airport’s capacity to 60 million passengers annually, enabling the airport to win multiple awards.

The following year (2009), the airport recorded 40.9 million passengers annually, and became the fastest growing airport in the world among the top 50 major airports.

To watch the video of Dubai International Airport… record numbers for the world aviation capital, Please click on this link.