Dubai Airports opens the world's first A380 concourse at Dubai International

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports said, “Just as we did with what turned out to be a flawless opening of Terminal 3 and Concourse B in 2008 – which was a much larger and more complex exercise involving the complete transfer of Emirates airline’s operations to the new facility – we are opening Concourse A in stages with more gates coming online in each successive phase. We believe that this approach of gradual transition will enable us and all our partners to ensure smooth operations and help us to deliver on our customer service commitment.”

He added that as the world’s first A380 facility Concourse A is a huge achievement for Dubai Airports and its partners and one of the highlights of Dubai's ongoing ambition to establish the world's leading aviation hub.

A another critical element of the $7.8 billion Strategic Plan 2020, Concourse A is part of the Terminal 3 complex exclusively built for the use of Emirates airline, and will provide Dubai International’s the much needed room as its passenger traffic approaches full capacity. Dubai International’s annual passenger capacity will increase from 60 million to 75 million when Concourse A is fully operational, while traffic for 2012 is expected to reach 57 million.

Analyst Saj Ahmad commented: “Emirates will be able to leverage the additional capacity and resources of the new concourse with its growing A380 fleet and by extension, drive more traffic into and through Dubai International Airport.

“Dubai International has already eclipsed the record set in 2011 for passenger traffic with a bumper 2012, and this year too promises more of the same with the airport remaining one of the busiest in the world.Given Emirates fast-paced growth mantra, both they and Dubai Airport are surely poised for more record breaking feats as 2013 goes on.”