Dubai Aviation City Corporation (Dacc) is inviting contractors to submit prequalification documents by 23 June for the expansion of Terminal 2 at Dubai International airport.

The scope covers the superstructure, mechanical, electrical and plumbing works, finishes and site works.

This involves the construction of a new departure and check-in hall to be located next to the existing Terminal 2 building. The main hall will be 205 metres long by 90 metres wide and will house the departure area, check-in halls and the emigration hall, as well as the airline and management offices.

The work also covers the construction of a 70-metre extension that will connect the existing facility to the new building. The existing terminal will also be refurbished, including the lounge areas, and baggage and arrival halls.

Terminal 2 is currently used for regional operations, charter services and pilgrimage flights and has an annual capacity of up to 5 million passengers. In July 2010, Dubai’s Department of Civil Aviation awarded the consultancy contract for the expansion to a joint venture of Beirut-based Dar al-Handasah and France’s Aeroports de Paris Ingenierie (MEED 5:7:10).

Dubai International airport recorded total passenger traffic of 12.2 million during the first quarter of 2011 and 47.2 million passengers in 2010.

Once the passenger terminal at the new Al-Maktoum International airport opens in 2012, total traffic into Dubai is forecast to reach 98.5 million by 2020.