Dubai International Airport Terminal 1 Arrivals expansion completed

In a bid to ease passenger movement in the terminal and increase capacity, the new facilities incorporated have come at an opportune time to cope with the summer rush. Arriving passengers can now look forward to shorter queues and waiting period to complete immigration formalities and baggage clearance.

The latest improvements include an increase in the number of immigration counters from 16 (32 positions) to 22 (44 positions). Three additional baggage belts bring the total up to ten as opposed to seven earlier. These belts are also longer and wider and hence can accommodate extra load. The Customs area has also been expanded from 30sqm to 40sqm, while x-ray machines by the exit doors have been removed so that all baggage is now x-rayed before it is actually picked up from the belts by the passenger in the arrivals hall. The internationally accepted norm of Green and Red Channels has now been installed. This allows the passenger to leave the terminal building more quickly. A small x-ray machine has, however, been installed in an area just before baggage claim where passengers with nil luggage will have their handbags or briefcases x-rayed.

The world famous Dubai Duty Free shop in the Arrivals has also been doubled in size to provide a better shopping experience for the arriving passenger.

Mr Khalifa Zaffin, Director of Projects commented: "It is our aim to provide a smooth flow of passenger traffic at peak times. With the onset of the summer rush, we are pleased to have completed our expansion plans. It has been a team effort with all concerned parties such as the Customs, Immigration, DNATA and Dubai Duty Free working together."

Mr Jamal Al Hai, Director, Strategy and Management Excellence and Executive Board Chairman commented: "The key to quality of service is in anticipating the needs of our passengers and customers. All passengers going through Dubai International Airport, regardless of their class of travel, want speedy service and value for money. If they are, in any way, dissatisfied with any of our services, then we have failed them and this is something that is unacceptable to us."

However, no airport is just about the passenger. To provide a more comfortable experience for those waiting to receive their passengers the meet and greet area has been improved with the installation of special cooling fans. For passengers without a pick-up service ample taxis are being provided by Dubai Transport.