Dubai International prepares to cut capacity to allow runway upgrade
Dubai International Airport will close one of its two runways for 45 days next year for upgrade work, temporarily cutting capacity at the world’s busiest airport for international travellers.
Dubai Airports yesterday said the southern runway would be closed from April 16 to May 30, 2019, for resurfacing and replacement of ground lighting and other infrastructure.
Dubai International, which handled 88.2 million passengers last year, is the base for Emirates and discount airline flydubai, and an engine for Dubai’s economy, which relies heavily on tourism and travel.
Capacity will be significantly reduced by the closure and airlines will have to scale back their operations during the 45 days, Dubai Airports said.
Airlines, however, will be able to use Dubai’s second airport, Al Maktoum International Airport, which is about 60 kilometres away. That airport is being expanded and plans call for it to eventually be even bigger than Dubai International.
Dubai airport’s northern runway underwent a similar programme in 2014 and, as was the case then, Al Maktoum International Airportwas a viable alternative to absorb scheduled flights as well as charter, cargo and general aviation operations.
Dubai International operated with one runway for 80 days in 2014 as a result of upgrade and repair work on both its runways.
That closure cost the Emirates Group an estimated $467 million (Dh1.715 billion) in revenue, according to its financial statements.
The airport has projected a 2.4 per cent increase in passengers this year to 90.3 million.
World Central is close to the completion of an expansion programme that will increase its capacity from between 5 million and 7 million passengers a year to 26 million passengers a year.
Paul Griffiths, Dubai Airports chief executive, said: “In the months ahead we will be working closely with Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, airlines and other stakeholders to ensure we optimise service and capacity during this period next year and minimise the impact on our customers.
“While we regret any inconvenience, these upgrades are absolutely necessary to heighten safety, boost capacity and pave the way for future growth.”