Dubai’s busiest airport began its journey 65 years ago with a modest terminal, a sandy runway, and grand ambitions. Officially opening on September 30, 1960, it soon became a major hub connecting UAE travelers globally.
In 2025, development continues as Dubai International Airport (DXB) launches a smart corridor at Terminal 3, eliminating long immigration queues.
The AI-driven ‘Red Carpet’ system allows up to 10 passengers to clear immigration in seconds without scanning passports or stopping at counters.
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Marking the airport’s 65th anniversary, Dubai Airports Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum shares a rare look into DXB’s early days. Watch the video here:
Transforming from accommodating DC-3s to hosting over 92 international airlines, the airport has expanded significantly. Here’s a timeline of its noteworthy growth:
1959: Construction began on what was then a barren land, about four kilometers from the city’s edge.
1960: Just a year later, the airport opened with a single terminal and a compacted sand runway.
1963: Work on an asphalt runway began, and was completed within two years with additional upgrades.
1969: Less than a decade after opening, the airport served nine airlines connecting to 20 destinations.
1970: A decade later, a new terminal, control tower, taxiways, airfield lighting, and landing instruments were added.
1983: Dubai Duty Free launched, with a turnover of $20 million, becoming synonymous with the airport.
1984: A second runway with Category II classification and advanced systems opened in April.
1985: The UAE’s flag carrier, Emirates, was launched.
1998: Terminal 2 opened, boosting DXB’s capacity by 2 million passengers annually.
2000: Concourse 1 (now Concourse C) opened, marking a significant expansion phase costing Dh2 billion.
2008: Terminal 3 opened exclusively for Emirates, increasing capacity to 30 million passengers.
2009: DXB became the fastest-growing airport among the top 50, surpassing 40 million passengers. Flydubai was also launched.
2013: Concourse A, the largest facility for the A380, opened.
2014: DXB began leading global airports in international passenger traffic.
2016: Concourse D opened, serving over 60 international carriers from Terminal 1.
2018: DXB welcomed its one billionth passenger.
2020: Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, DXB re-opened quickly after a temporary closure.
2023: The airport was recognized for inclusivity and accessibility enhancements by the Airports Council International.
2025: The smart corridor was launched, allowing document-free immigration processing, keeping DXB the busiest airport worldwide for the 11th consecutive year.
