Dubai is set to witness a huge surge in visitors in the coming months. In order to gear up for this, the airport is now set to reopen Terminal 1 on 24 June. Besides, the airport will also hire about 3,500 people as a preparation for the surge. The airport’s website also mentioned that it will be moving services of some airlines from Terminal 3 over to Terminal 1, for a seamless journey.
.@DubaiAirports to reopen @DXB’s Terminal 1 and Concourse D on June 24, in preparations to accommodate anticipated growth in demand for travel. #Dubai pic.twitter.com/zqBGNZB8Ku
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 20, 2021
The Reopening Of T1 Will Accommodate 18 Million Passengers
Dubai Airports chief executive Paul Griffiths told Bloomberg TV that about 66 airlines that currently use Terminals 2 and 3 will gradually move their operations to Terminal 1 from June 24. Terminal 1 handles all international airlines, except for Emirates, Qantas and flydubai. All these airlines operate out of Terminal 3.
Mr Griffiths further added that with summer holidays, Eid break, and the Expo 2020 fast approaching, Dubai is set to witness a significant surge in travelers. Besides, the UAE has remained open to tourism even during the pandemic, and so airport officials are expecting a huge surge in inbound and outbound demand over the next few months. Terminal 1’s reopening will help the airport make space for another 18 million passengers, Griffiths said.
Also read: Etihad Airways Announces Quarantine-Free Travel To 12 Destinations This Summer
DXB welcomed over 25.9 million passengers last year, a significant 70% drop from 2019. However, pre-pandemic days are not far for the travel and tourism industry and Dubai is expected to bounce back to 90% of its pre-pandemic capacity by autumn. In addition, Emirates recently announced plans to resume 90% of its passenger network by the end of July.
After a long wait, UAE expats stuck in India can finally fly back to their home. Dubai eased travel protocols for residents stranded in India, finally providing a ray of hope. However, once the news broke out, travel agents witnessed a massive surge in queries about flight bookings, PCR test rules, vaccination and much more. However, most residents are hesitant to travel back to the UAE due to the lack of clarity on guidelines and rules.
In a recent development, Emirates confirmed that it will resume Dubai-bound passengers from India, South Africa and Nigeria, starting 23 June 2021.
An official statement from the airline, said, “Emirates welcomes the latest protocols and measures announced by Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management to allow the safe resumption of passenger travel from South Africa, Nigeria and India to Dubai and onwards. We look forward to facilitating travel from these countries and supporting various travellers’ categories.” Read more here.
First Published: June 21, 2021 10:44 AMWe look forward to facilitating travel from these countries and supporting various travelers’ categories. We will resume carrying passengers from South Africa, Nigeria and India in accordance with these protocols from 23 June. (2/3)
— Emirates (@emirates) June 19, 2021