Dubai: Terminal 2 at Dubai International has undergone a major refurbishment, extending check-in and boarding facilities, revitalising the interior and exterior decor, plus offering more dining choices.
Currently serving more than 25 scheduled airlines, the extended facility will increase capacity from three to some five million passengers a year.
"Terminal 2 has seen tremendous growth over the past decade of its operation, due to its popularity as a convenient and flexible gateway for customers travelling into and out of Dubai. This makeover has given a fantastic boost to the facility, a new lease of life and a freshness that's sure to give us a thumbs-up in terms of customer satisfaction and comfort," said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports
The terminal building now boasts a bold red facade, with clearly defined entrances for arrivals and departures and a wide drop-off area running between the terminal and the extensive covered car park beyond.
Queuing time has speeded up for departing passengers with the extension of the check-in area where counters have increased in number from 22 to 36.
The boarding section has been transformed into a comfortable seating area, lit by natural light, with a Marhaba Lounge and children's play area opening shortly. The new open boarding gates allow several flights to board simultaneously, considerably improving both passenger and aircraft movement.
Passengers can choose from a range of dining options, including the Hatam Iranian Restaurant, McDonald's, Costa Coffee, Baskin Robbins Ice-cream and Tropicana Juice bar. The Dubai Duty Free shopping area covers 1,400 square metres in Departures and 50 square metres in Arrivals and carries a wide range of international brands.
The 3, 437 square metre extension includes a larger arrivals hall where the finishing touches are being put to new counters for car rental and currency exchange outlets.
For transiting passengers, a shuttle service runs between the terminals, with a journey time of around 20 minutes to Terminal 1 and 30 minutes to Terminal 3.
"Terminal 2's location at the north side of the airfield at Dubai International helps to give the impression of an 'airport within an airport', with its main road access, generous covered car parking and user-friendly terminal. I am confident that the revitalised decor and comfortable surroundings ... will encourage more airlines to use Terminal 2," said Griffiths.