Gulf News Web Sub Editor Kerry Anne Henrico was on the first flight to leave Terminal 3 at the Dubai International Airport. She blogged about her experience.
9.40am
In answer to a comment from Faridoon, (scroll to the bottom of the page if you want to send comments) there is parking at Terminal 3. There is ample parking space with around 2,600 bays, most of them underground too. Lets not forget that the futuristic looking Metro station will also become operational in late 2009.
1.50am:
Overall its a big thumbs up for the new building. Everything worked as it should, and the phased approach will give Emirates time to iron out any minor kinks.
There are even taxi's waiting outside for passengers. Glad they realise Terminal 3 is now open! I'm off home for some sleep!
1.30am:
Back on Dubai soil again, and luckily this flight was also docking at Terminal 3. The plane was packed so would provide a little bit more of a test for the facilities.
However, it was still smooth sailing through immigration and there didn't appear to be any catastrophic baggage loss.
Coming down the escalator and through immigration, there is a wow moment. When you first catch sight of the enormous baggage reclaim hall stretching for what seems to be an eterinity in front of you, you realise just how much bigger this building is than Terminal 1.
8.15pm:
Ok, thats all for now. Hopefully I'll be back with some comments on the arrivals procedure in the small hours (depending on whether the flight back lands at terminal 1 or not). My flight is due to land at around 1am. I imagine you'll all be in bed by then but I've been assured the blog will still be online in the morning for people to read!!
7.45pm:
Finally managed to get some pictures of day one over to the Gulf News webdesk. I thought it was going to be quicker to post them.
6.10pm:
While I struggle with a painfully slow internet connection (yes I'm still in the airport, no exploring just yet), here are a few more thoughts that popped into my head.
The boarding gates are quite well located and for the shoppers amongst us, there were plenty of ATM machines!
Thankfully there is a lift (or escalator) from passport control which takes you right onto duty free level, you don't have to walk for miles.
Everything seems more centralised, once you are in duty free you can spend your time looking around.
It's definitely a lot brighter than Terminal 1 and importantly, there is much more seating available so you won't spend your whole time stepping over people like you do at the moment.
This may seem like a small point, but believe me it matters. Toilets are all round, and you don't have to walk forever
And I know this won't go down well with everyone, but not only is Terminal 3 completely smoke free, it smells completely smoke free.
5:15pm
Ok, now that I've got some time before I head back to Dubai (the first available flight is at 11:15pm) I can give you a brief overview of my experience.
The first thing that struck me about the Terminal is how bright and open it is. Looks like Dubai took bright open spaces to a whole new level! The facility isn't cramped at all, and is definitely a big improvement over Terminal 1.
The entire process - check-in, passport control, everything - was free-flowing, smooth as can be. Unforturnately, I couldn't catch a peek of the new waterfall - maybe next time!
That's all for now, I'm going to continue my hunt for a proper internet connection so I can send across the dozens of pictures I took, maybe even explore Doha a little. Anyone got any travel tips?
3:10pm
We've just landed. They flight was really smooth and very brief, felt like we just took off and landed in a minute! It didn't feel historic. I'll sum up a little after I've cleared customs!
1:55pm
Everyone seems pretty relaxed on the plane and unperturbed by the Terminal 3 hype. There isn't much sign of celebration or hoo ha. It's just business as usual.
1:45pm
I just boarded flight EK843 to Doha. I asked a guy if he knew he was going to take the first flight from Terminal 3. He said he did and he likes it because he feels like he is being treated like a king!
Other people I asked didn't even know they were going on the first flight from this terminal.
The general mood from passengers was that they love the new terminal but some said it was massive and that it would be nice if transportation was available so they don't have to walk for miles!
12:50pm:
This new terminal is massive and extremely shiny. When you're walking through it looks like it goes on for miles. It's pretty impressive. I'm going to talk to a few fellow passengers too to see what they make of the new building.
12:30pm
Checked in, and I have to say it was a breeze and all the staff were really eager and friendly. It's slightly surreal because the place seems empty and there are more officials than passengers at the moment. I'm sure things will soon change. At least there's a bit more activity at Duty Free.
12:08pm
I have just arrived at Terminal 3. Emirates staff eagerly greeted and welcomed me to the terminal.
It is very quiet in here. Not much of a fanfare, in fact there are only one or two passengers at the check-in counter. However, airport staff are standing around attentively.
You can tell that today is a special day! I was given a rose as I went to check in. Nice touch...
Your comments
This is a best way to show the nationality in the global world contries. I'm glad Emirates might be smart airline like UK's. Well done for all "T3" staff.
Lateef khan
Warangal,India
Posted: October 15, 2008, 09:14
All new airports in the world have a good theoretical plan however Emirates unlike T5 in London has implemented its plan like clockwork and got it right. Its incredible that this monstrous 5 Star airport has managed to get incredible micro-benefits for customers. Its really a Wow.
Rajeev
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 15, 2008, 09:14
Good coverage of T3. I was also hoping to read more about where to park your car if going to T3. Are there new parking lots? Or do we still use the same parking facilities?
Faridoon
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 15, 2008, 08:53
Amazing airport but at the worst location possible for an airport. Why would there be an airport right in the middle of the city? Already the airport road is heavily congested with traffic due to terminal 1. Terminal 3 will only make things worse.
Sheraz
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 15, 2008, 08:07
Hats Off to the admin staff for making everything working at the right time! and thank god now there won't be massive rush at T1!
Waleed
London,United Kingdom
Posted: October 15, 2008, 03:21
The T3 does look pretty cool and glad they not had any problems like they did at Heathrow's new terminal.
Lootera
Manchester,UK
Posted: October 15, 2008, 00:37
I think Emirates is a very smart airline as it started its move from T1 to T3 in phases, which I totally agree toas it should be more effective from a passenger and operational point of view. Emirates wants to minimize their customers complaint and earn more compliments. Well done Emirates keep the good name going.
Ali
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 14, 2008, 23:00
