UAE. The number of passenger flights at Dubai World Central is expected to surge 700% when Dubai International’s southern runway closes for a complete refurbishment from 16 April to 30 May.
Passenger flights at Dubai International will be down 32% during the 45-day period as the northern runway will be used to 96% of its capacity. Due to the deployment of larger aircraft by some airlines during the closure period, the number of seats will only decrease by 26%.
Across the Dubai airport system, the total number of flights will be down 10% with a seat reduction of 11%. The changes will inevitably impact the commercial performance at both airports during the closure period.
Preparations have been underway for almost a year with an independent slot coordinator appointed to oversee the scheduling. Dubai Airports also noted that the closure was timed to coincide with the holy month of Ramadan – typically the quietest period at Dubai International in terms of traffic.
“We’re pleased that we have managed to maintain as much choice as possible for customers,” said Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths. “The most significant change for passengers during the period will be the need to confirm the airport that they travelling to or from.
“That said, we’re confident customers and airlines will be impressed by the speed, efficiency and convenience of Dubai’s second airport. It’s a great that can now accommodate up to 26.5 million passengers annually and we’re confident that it will shine.”
