Dubai International Airport |DXB| Information

About Dubai Airport, UAE

Dubai Airport (code IATA: DXB) is the main international airport of the UAE. It handles more than 66 million passengers annually being the third busiest airdrome in the world. DXB is situated in the Al Garhoud district, which is about 5 km east from Dubai downtown.

A hub of global travel, DXB, offers more than 230 destinations across 99 countries all over the world. The most popular routes are New Delhi and New Delhi (India), Riyadh and Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), and London (the UK).

DXB Airport is the hub for Emirates which is the biggest airline in the Middle East, FedEx Express, and Flydubai. The airdrome premise consists of three passenger terminals and a lot of facilities such as parking, car rental centre, hotels, etc. providing maximum comfort for guests' stay. Dubai Airport Free Zone can be easily reached from the DXB premise by subway or bus. Below you can find more info about the airport layout and services provided by DXB to plan your trip more precisely.

Dubai Airport check-in time

Over 96% of passengers spend less than five minutes at the departure passport control zone. As for arrivals at Dubai Airport, the average wait time at the passport control line is 13 minutes. If you type in Google “Dubai Airport how long before flight”, first you will see it is 3 hours before your flight's departure time, and 2 hours for business class passengers. Give yourself time before departure at DXB during peak hours.

Dubai Airport contact information

In case of any queries or for further info regarding flights and the airport’s policy, please contact the DXB Support centre by calling +971 4 224 5555. The team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Dubai International Airport address is the Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Check out the map to better navigate the emirate.

Dubai Airport covid testing & rules

COVID travel restrictions have eased significantly lately. Face masks are not obligatory for DXB guests. However, based on their specific demands of the intermediate or final destinations, some airlines request passengers to wear masks on board.

Upon arrival in Dubai, travellers are no longer required to show a COVID‑19 vaccination certificate or undergo PCR testing. Passengers travelling from/through DXB must comply with the travel requirements set by the final destination or transit rules.

Please check with your airline for specific details related to your destination point. If you need to perform a PCR test at Dubai Airport, head to the lab on the departure level of T3 (next to Costa). Despite the easing of COVID measures, DXB continues to take action for ensuring the health and safety of the guests and employees.

Dubai Airport flight status & alerts

Sometimes the usual flight schedule is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances or force majeure. In case of flight delay or cancellation, travellers are forced to wait from several hours to a day at the airport premise. With the electronic table, you can quickly check today's flight schedule at Dubai Airport and get the relevant info about the departure/arrival routes to avoid an hour-long wait in the terminal.

Airlines at Dubai Airport

A total of 88 airlines operate at DXB serving flights to more than 200 destinations all over the world. The biggest airlines based at T1 at DXB are:

• Air France
• British Airways
• KLM
• Lufthansa
• Middle East Airlines
• Qatar Airways
• Turkish Airlines
• Delta Airlines.

T2 hosts Flydubai and other regional and international airlines such as Air India Express and Qantas. DBX T3 is mainly used by Emirates Airlines.

Current weather in Dubai

The UAE has an arid climate with dry, hot, and humid summers and pleasant warm winters. From December to March the temperature ranges from 16.4°C to 24°C which makes this time perfect for outdoor activities. The summer season (June to September) is characterised by extremely high temperatures climbing up to 45-50°C in the south. Rainfall is rare and inconsistent in Dubai (on average, 2 days per month). The Trucial Coast is also exposed to occasional, violent dust storms, known as shamal winds.

Dubai Airport terminals

DXB consists of three terminal buildings T1, T2, and T3. Terminal 1 has one concourse D, while T3 is divided into three concourses A, B, and C. The T2 building is based apart from the other main facilities, next to the Executive Flights Terminal which provides the check-in counters for premium passengers. T3 is currently the biggest airport building in the world and the second-largest edifice by floor space.

T1 and T3 serve international travellers, while T2 is designed for budget passengers and those flying to the subcontinent and Persian Gulf area. All DXB facilities are equipped with the latest technology to handle a huge passenger flow and provide a better travel experience. However, the Dubai International Airport check-in time may increase slightly during peak hours.

Dubai Airport - Terminal 1

DXB T1 is a hub for more than 60 international airlines (except for Emirates and Qantas), handling over 25 million travellers annually. The main building is equipped with an automated people mover which makes it easy to transfer around the huge edifice area. Dubai International Airport Terminal 1 has 221 check-in counters and three floors:

• Level 1 is used for Departure procedures and includes the check-in desks and the oversized luggage check-in. Here you will find a lounge for unaccompanied minors, ticket sales booths, cashier desks, immigration counters, and food court.
• Level 2 handles Arrival flights, E-gates, baggage services lounges, luggage carousels, Porter service, and restrooms.
• Level 3 is designed for guest services and concessions.

After check-in, passengers will proceed to Concourse D, where 23 boarding gates are placed. Concourse D is also a hub for relaxing lounges open for First or Business Class travellers.

T1 has good transport links with the Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZ), which is one of the world's ultimate free zone destinations. You can take a subway Dubai RTA from Airport T1 Metro Station 1 or hop on a bus from Al Muraqqabāt, the Arrival level of T1.

Dubai Airport - Terminal 2

T2 handles scheduled and charter flights by 50 airlines, mainly operating in the Persian Gulf region. Most routes operate to India, Saudi Arabia, and Iran. T2 is known as the Flydubai terminal at Dubai Airport, as it mainly operates the Flydubai routes.

The building consists of four levels:

• Levels 1 and 4 serve Arrival flights.
• Level 2 is the boarding floor where you can find the boarding gates, transfer counters, Business Class Lounge, retail areas, food courts, and stores.
• Level 3 is divided into the Departure zone, check-in counters, staff & crew desk, oversized baggage area, special handling services lounges, VIP lounges, and immigration counters.

Dubai International Airport Terminal 2 is situated in the North of T1 and can be reached from Al-Twar Road and Rashidiya. The building stands separately from other facilities, so you can use a free shuttle bus operating 24/7 to reach it.

Dubai Airport - Terminal 3

DXB T3 is mainly used by Emirates Airlines, so it is also known as Dubai Airport Emirates terminal. Being one of the largest terminal facilities in the world (over 1 710 000 m² of space), T3 is able to handle over 60 million passengers annually.

T3 is the multi-storied edifice that is shared between Emirates and Qantas Airlines. It is also home to Dubai International Hotel.

• The first level is used for Arrival routes. Guests will find the baggage carousels, porter, unaccompanied minors lounges, information desk, hotel reservation counter, rental car centre, as well as access to transportation means to reach the city.
• The second level is specifically designated for boarding.
• The third floor serves as the Departure zone where 126 check-in counters, oversized baggage check-in, self-service booths, and ticket sale desks can be found.

Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 comprises three concourses named A, B, and C. Concourse A accommodates 20 air bridge gates dedicated to handling the Airbus A380-800. Concourse B is directly linked to T3 and is dedicated exclusively to Emirates. The airline also uses 12 gates at Concourse C.

Airport transfer between terminals in Dubai

T1 is linked to T3 with a common transit zone, where airside passengers can move freely, without the need to pass through immigration. The Dubai International Airport distance between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 is 8 km. A shuttle bus runs between all DXB terminals, with a half-an-hour trip time. T3 guests looking for a transfer between Concourse A and the rest of the facility can use an automated people mover. Such a mover operates also between T1 and Concourse D.

Dubai Airport customer service

Dubai International Airport provides customers with a wide range of complementary services to facilitate their stopovers and improve their travel experience. Below you can check the list of services available for DXB guests:

• Unlimited, free, high-speed Wi-Fi
• Currency exchange booths
• ATMs and bank offices for cash withdrawal
• Car rental
• Parking facilities
• Spa and complimentary shower facilities located in the Airport Dubai T3
• Food courts
• Duty-free stores
• Business centre in the Dubai International Hotel
• Smoking lounges
• Muslim prayer rooms
• Medical facilities
• Baggage storage available in T1 and T3, etc.

Dubai Airport lounges

Lounges are the best place to chill out before the flight. At DXB, you don’t have to be a business or first-class passenger to get access to executive lounges like Emirates, Marhaba, Ahlan, Plaza Premium Lounge, or Their Patio. Access to all lounge facilities is available for up to four hours before your flight. Paid entry to Emirates Lounge is available for $48, while the price for a 2-hour stay in Marbaha or Plaza Premium starts from $53. Most lounge zones are equipped with comfy seats, free Wi-Fi, free snacks, coffee, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, dedicated Smoking Rooms, shower rooms, kids' play areas, and family suites. Kids can spend time playing in the Dubai Airport lounge at Terminal 1 designed for unaccompanied minors.

Dubai Airport transportation

DXB has excellent transport connections to the central district of Dubai including metro, bus, taxi, and car rental options:

• RTA bus routes run to Deira, Bur Dubai, and Downtown where the most famous attractions are situated. The bus shelters can be found at the Airport Ground Transportation centre and the Arrivals hall at every terminal.
• Taxi will take you to the Dubai centre within 20 min. A taxi rank is available outside the Arrival zone of the DXB terminals.
• Dubai Metro operates two lines: the Red Line station is based at T1 and T3 and can be accessed directly from the Arrivals zones. The Green Line station connects T2 with the Airport Free Zone.

The trip from DXB to Dubai World Central Airport takes 50 min by car and 1 hour and 40 min by subway.

Car rental at Dubai Airport

Car rental could be an excellent way to get around the Emirate of Dubai exploring the most beautiful corners of this vibrant city. Dubai is a place built for driving as its well-developed road network will save you from any problems with navigating. Using our website you will find the most suitable car at Dubai Airport at an affordable price in just a few steps! Do not forget to check all deals from available vendors as well as extra features to benefit from special offers for the airport car rental in Dubai. With a hired vehicle, you don't have to sacrifice comfort and overpay for one-time trips by public transport. The following rentals provide their services at the Arrival areas at DXB:

• Yelo
• Avis
• Budget
• Thrifty
• Europcar
• Hertz
• Sixt, etc.

Dubai Airport parking

DXB provides its guests with secure parking options at affordable rates.

• T1 includes Car Park A (Premium) which is a 2-3 min walk from the terminal and Car Park B (Economy) placed at a 7-9 min distance on foot. A half-an-hour stay in Car Park A facility costs $8.15, while Economy parking offers a 2-hour stay for the same price.
• T2 offers the same parking options as T1, but the walking trip from Car Park B to T2 takes a little more time. A one-day stay in a Premium facility will cost you $34, while a car space in the Economy lot is available for $19.
• The car park in Terminal 3 at Dubai Airport is divided into three levels, providing more than 1,880 spaces for guests' vehicles. The parking spot is situated 2-3 minutes walking to terminals.

Dubai Airport hotels

Conveniently placed at the DXB T3, the Dubai International Hotel could be a perfect hideaway within a busy terminal. Fully equipped Deluxe, Superior, and Family rooms, as well as Royal suites, are designed to provide transit travellers with maximum comfort. All rooms include a queen-size bed with an orthopaedic mattress, a spacious bathroom with all amenities, an in-room mini refrigerator, lockbox, tea and coffee facilities, LCD TV, and 24-hour room service. There is also a range of hotels near Dubai Airport such as:

• Premier Inn Dubai International Airport Hotel
• Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
• ibis Styles Dubai Airport Hotel.

Dubai Airport restaurants & food

Whether you're searching for a three‑course full meal or a quick and tasty bite, DXB dining options would be up to gourmet tastes. In T1, you can taste freshly made McDonald's sandwiches or crispy juicy fried chicken from Marrybrown, as well as enjoy baked goods and a cup of coffee in the French café Brioche Dorée. Those staying in Terminal 2 at Dubai Airport can visit KFC, take the Flat White in Costa, or taste a doughnut from the world's most-loved brand Krispy Kreme. T3 food places include Pret A Manger, Giraffe, McDonald's, and Starbucks.

About Dubai

Dubai is a stunning travel destination exciting visitors with shiny skyscrapers, state-of-the-art buildings, and beautiful beaches. Being the pearl of the Middle East, Dubai offers a lot of things to do and visit. Go up to the 150-metres high Dubai Frame to enjoy a panoramic view, spanning from the Arabian Gulf to the dunes of the Arabian desert, try street food at Al Dhiyafah Road or get an unforgettable experience dining at a luxury restaurant on Burj Khalifa's 124th floor. Do not miss the opportunity to treat yourself to shopping in the most visited shopping centre in the world — Dubai Mall, or walk along the famous pedestrian promenade in Dubai Marina. A perfect Dubai International Airport location not far from the city centre will let you visit these famous tourist spots in a short driving time.

Cost of living in Dubai

Compared to living in some of the world's major expat hubs like Hong Kong, New York, and Singapore, Dubai costs far less in terms of cost of living. Dinner in an inexpensive restaurant will cost you $11, and for a cup of coffee, you will pay $3. 1 litre of gasoline is available for $1. If you would like to hire a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre, you will be asked to cover the monthly rent of $2,015.

Things to do at Dubai Airport before departure

If you are wondering what to do at Dubai Airport while waiting for the flight, you will be surprised by the number of options for refreshing, relaxation, fun, and quiet passtime offered by DXB. You can chill out in one of the available lounges, destress with an express massage at Be Relax, refresh yourself in a swimming pool at Health Club, or take a nap in the sleep'n fly lounge.

• Relax in the Zen Gardens listening to the sounds of water. Located in the T3 building, the Zen gardens with a fish pond, lush trees, and benches could be a perfect spot for a refreshing break or catching up on pending work.
• Take a nap in a sleep'n fly pod. This option is especially affordable for those with short layovers in the airport or in case of flight delay or cancellation.
• Get an unforgettable shopping experience and renew your look in one of the world-famous brand shops in Dubai Airport including Gucci, Caroline Herrera, and Marc Jacobs.