Passenger services at DWC airport to start next year

Dubai: Dubai World Central is expected to fully launch passenger services at Al Maktoum International Airport next year, when its passenger terminal and associated facilities get necessary permissions, a senior official said.

“We are currently negotiating with a number of airlines to move their services to Al Maktoum International as Dubai International is getting congested due to increased traffic. If everything goes as planned, we will be able to start passenger services in a few months’ time,” Rashid Bu Qara’a, chief operating officer of Dubai Aviation City Corporation told Gulf News. “Technically, the airport is ready for commercial operations. However, we are waiting for some approvals only, which should be over within the next two to three months.”

Construction of a new exhibition facility that will host the next Dubai Airshow, is also moving ahead of schedule, he said. “It will be ready before the Airshow in November 2013,” said Bu Qara’a.