With passenger traffic at Dubai International airport rapidly expanding, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects commissioned the construction of additional terminal space and concourse areas. The floor space covers  340,000 square metres, which is equal to twice the footprint of London Heathrow Terminal 5.

A key element of Dubai Airports’ Strategic Plan 2020 is Concourse D, which was custom built for more than 100 airlines and opened in February.

The concourse has increased the airport’s annual capacity to 90 million passengers, and serves Terminal 1 via an elevated rail system with a transit time of two minutes.

The scope of works also encompassed nine lounges, spread across a total of 6,926 square metres and including five airline lounges, a new Al-Majlis lounge, two Dubai International Hotel lounges and a Marhaba VIP lounge.

There is seating for more than 8,000 passengers, and an open gate concept has been introduced to allow passengers to shop, dine and relax before boarding.

The refurbished Terminal 1 features 15 per cent more check-in counters, self-check-in kiosks and in-line security screening of baggage at check-ins, as well as 30 per cent more immigration counters at arrivals.

The upgrades to Terminal 1 also include a spacious and comfortable reception area for meeters and greeters and an air-conditioned taxi waiting area.