Dubai International Airport Guide
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the main gateway to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, sitting in the Al Garhoud district about 5 kilometres east of the city centre. It opened for commercial service on 30 September 1960 and has grown into the world's busiest airport for international passenger traffic, a position it has held for more than a decade.
Dubai Airports, the emirate's government-owned airport operator, also runs Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) to the south, which is being developed as Dubai's long-term primary hub. Until that shift is complete, DXB remains the base for Emirates and its low-cost sister carrier flydubai, together accounting for most of the airport's traffic. The airfield covers around 2,900 hectares and includes two parallel runways handling both wide-body long-haul aircraft and regional flights.
DXB connects directly to central Dubai via the Red Line of the Dubai Metro, and sits within easy driving distance of the neighbouring emirates of Sharjah and Ajman along the coastal corridor to the northeast. Its position between Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia has made it one of the world's busiest connecting points for long-haul travellers.
Services
5 of 6 availableCompare 26 listed options at Dubai International Airport, spanning parking, car rentals, lounges, hotels and shuttles. Each guide sets out locations, distance from the airport, key features and links to book direct, so you can weigh cost against convenience before you fly. Select a service below to see every provider we track for Dubai International Airport.
Location
Key facts
- Size
- 95M passengers (2025)2 runwaysopened 1960
- Location
- 25.250, 55.371
- Operator
- Dubai Airports
Terminals
3 terminalsDubai International Airport has 3 passenger terminals — Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, handling both international and domestic flights for around 17 airlines. Check which terminal your airline uses before you travel, as check-in, security and boarding points differ between them, and moving from one to another can take time.
- Terminal 1International
British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines
Concourses Concourse D
- Terminal 2Mixed
flydubai, Air India Express, Wizz Air, Mahan Air, Uzbekistan Airways
Concourses Concourse F
- Terminal 3International
Emirates, flydubai, Qantas, Air Canada, United Airlines
Concourses Concourse A · Concourse B · Concourse C
Nearby cities
2 citiesDubai International Airport is closest to Dubai (5 km west), and also serves Sharjah and other nearby areas. With 2 towns and cities within reach, it is a practical gateway for the wider region. Distances shown are straight-line from the airport, so allow extra time for road transfers, traffic and parking.
- Dubai5 km west
- Sharjah17 km northeast
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the airport codes for Dubai International Airport?
What are the airport codes for Dubai International Airport?
Where is Dubai International Airport located?
Where is Dubai International Airport located?
What services are available at Dubai International Airport?
What services are available at Dubai International Airport?
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