Dubai Airports has confirmed that it will begin a comprehensive runway upgrade project at Dubai International on May 1, 2014 ‘to boost safety, service and capacity levels’. During the upgrade the number of flights operating at the world’s second busiest international, will be reduced by 26%.

 

Flight movements at Al Maktoum International at Dubai World Central (DWC) are set to increase dramatically as eight airlines that currently operate into Dubai International have reserved slots to operate into Dubai’s second airport during the 80-day period.

 

More than 300 flights a week are expected to depart from Dubai’s second airport during this period.

 

The upgrade work will last 80 days during which the runways will be closed alternatively – the southern runway from May 1st to May 31st, and the northern runway from May 31st to July 20th, 2014.

 

‘NECESSARY UPGRADES’

Paul Griffiths, Dubai Airports CEO said, “We have planned this project to optimise capacity while protecting service levels and, in conjunction with Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, airlines and other stakeholders, have deployed all the resources necessary to make it as smooth and seamless as possible.

 

“While we regret any inconvenience caused to our airline customers and our passengers, these upgrades are necessary to heighten safety, boost capacity and pave the way for future expansion.”

 

During the 80-day period, Dubai Airports urges passengers to double-check with their respective airlines’ websites to confirm their airport of departure or arrival. Dubai Airports’ website www.dubaiairports.ae can also be consulted. While all Emirates flights will continue to operate out of Dubai International, a total of 14 airlines, including flydubai, have reserved slots for flights at DWC during the 80-day period.

 

Additionally, passengers and residents in the vicinity of the airport should be prepared for extra construction-related road traffic, which may also increase travel times to and from Dubai International.

 

A total of 14 airlines have applied for slots at DWC during the 80-day runway refurbishment programme. These include 8 airlines, which will relocate to DWC for the 80 period and include flydubai, PAL Express, Jet Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Yemenia Airlines, Equatorial Congo Airlines, Malaysia Airlines or Ural Airlines.

 

They will join six airlines – which include Wizz Air, Gulf Air, Jazeera Airlines, Qatar Airways, Eastern Horizon Airlines and Eastern SkyJets – which already operate from DWC and will continue to operate during the 80 days.