How Many Airports Are In Dubai
Dubai is a global and international airport, and it accommodates over 87 million passengers annually (as at the year 2023). Source: Dubai Airports. Reputed to be the city of luxury, innovation and rapid development, more than one airport serves it to match the growing traffic. As a tourist, a business traveler, or a possessor of logistics professional dealing with a foreign country, you should know about the airport infrastructure of a specific city to plan your move within the city. Dubai is no exception.
How Many Airports Are There in Dubai?
Dubai has two main international airports:
- Dubai International Airport (DXB)
- Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
It also has minor and non-public airstrips meant specifically (royal flights, flight training, and/or governmental use. Nevertheless, the major commercial airports are DXB and DWC, which are engaged in international and domestic flights.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) – The Main Hub
The Dubai (DXB) Airport is one of the most busy all over the world. The DXB is located in the district of Al Garhoud, and it was opened in 1960 and is located about 5 km away from downtown Dubai. It has over 100 airlines and has over 240 destinations on six continents.
Key features of DXB:
- Three terminals (T1, T2, T3)
- Exclusive terminal for Emirates Airlines
- Dubai Duty-Free, luxury lounges, and extensive shopping
Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) – The Future Giant
Another airport is Maktoum International Airport (DWC), in other words, Dubai World Central Airport, located in Jebel Al. This airport was opened in 2010. It belongs to the grandiose project of the creation of Dubai South.
However, even though underutilised in comparison to DXB at the moment, DWC is to become the busiest airport in the world in terms of capacity.
Current highlights:
- Serves cargo and limited passenger flights
- Will manage more than 160 million passengers once totally expanded
Key Differences Between DXB and DWC
| Feature | Dubai International (DXB) | Al Maktoum International (DWC) |
| Year Opened | 1960 | 2010 |
| Location | Al Garhoud | Jebel Ali |
| Primary Use | Passenger | Cargo (currently) |
| Airlines | Emirates, FlyDubai, 100+ others | A few low-cost and cargo airlines |
| Expansion Plans | Limited due to city limits | Massive planned growth |
Private and Minor Airports in Dubai
In addition to the two commercial giants, Dubai also possesses some other types of airfields, both private and smaller ones, among which there are:
- Al Minhad Air Base- government and military.
- Skydive Dubai Airstrip – for recreational aviation.
- Helipads – scattered across luxury hotels and commercial towers.
They are not open to the common commercial flights, but deal with special aviation requirements.
Cargo vs Passenger Airports
Dubai’s airports are not just for passengers. They play a major role in global cargo logistics:
- DXB: It processes cargo and passengers, and Terminal 2 is used to arrive at cargo flights.
- DWC: It is mainly a cargo hub, and it caters to more than 900 thousand tonnes.
In 2023, Dubai ranked as the top five global air cargo hubs.
Comparison of Dubai Airports
| Airport | Passenger Volume (2023) | Runways | Terminals | Expansion Capacity |
| DXB | 86.9 million | 2 | 3 | Limited |
| DWC | 1.6 million | 1 (planned 5) | 1 | Over 160 million |
Conclusion
Dewa has two global-standard airports in Dubai, where the infrastructure in Dubai is known to be visionary. Whereas DXB is also dominating in terms of passengers and airline services today, DWC is being developed as the largest airport in the world in the next few decades. The two together constitute the backbone of air connectivity of Dubai, offering the travellers and cargo carriers effective access into the region, yet out as well.
FAQs
Which is the main airport in Dubai?
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the main and busiest airport in Dubai.
Is DWC better than DXB?
Not yet. DWC is still expanding. DXB currently offers more flights, amenities, and accessibility.
Can tourists land at DWC?
Yes, though most international tourists arrive via DXB. Some budget airlines operate from DWC.
How far is DWC from DXB?
Around 65 km, approximately a 45-60 minute drive.