Dubai Airports: Terminal 3 set for operation

Dubai Airports has announced that a phased transition of operations to Dubai International's new Terminal 3 will start from October 14, 2008.

The 'soft' opening will be implemented in four phases, to ensure that systems and processes are working to the highest standards of efficiency, enabling customers to make their way through the facility as easily and speedily as possible.

The Emirates Airline-dedicated terminal is currently undergoing operational readiness trials to ensure that customers have an unmatched experience, whether arriving, departing or in transit.

Shaikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and Chairman of Dubai Airports said: “Terminal 3 and the associated development represent a much needed expansion of Dubai's aviation infrastructure. The new facility will play an important role in supporting Dubai's economic progress, and reaffirm the city's image as an emerging global aviation hub.''

Reiterating that Terminal 3 will be made fully operational in a phased approach, Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said: “Raising customer service standards at Dubai International is at the heart of our strategy. We want to make absolutely sure that all the systems and processes at Terminal 3 are working smoothly and that customers experience nothing short of world-class facilities and service when they use the new Terminal. It is precisely for this reason that we have decided to make Terminal 3 fully operational in phases.''

He added: “We are also conducting a series of operational readiness trials at Terminal 3 and its airside facility as a run-up to the ‘soft' opening in October.''

Dubai Airports conducted the first major operational trial, involving over 2,000 volunteers, on August 9. Some 6,000 volunteers will participate in similar trials scheduled to be conducted later this month and at the end of September.

TERMINAL 3 QUICK FACTS

Terminal 3 & Associated Airside Facilities

• The expansion plan of US$ 4.5 billion includes the construction of Terminal 3 and two associated airside facilities.
• The expansion will cater to the rapid expansion of Emirates fleet, especially to serve its fleet of superjumbo the Airbus A380.
• The two airside facilities will have 23 gates specifically designed for the super jumbo for twin deck embarking and disembarking.
• The second airside facility will be dedicated to the A380 and will be ready in 2009.
• Detailed A380 compatibility tests were carried out at Dubai International in August 2007.
• Dubai International fulfilled all A380 compatibility tests, including those for taxiways, runway, and ground support equipment as well as docking trials at the terminal gate.
• By the end of 2008, Dubai International will have a total of seven gates for superjumbo A380.
• Upon completion of the ongoing expansion, Dubai International will have 25 gates for the A380, making Dubai the world's largest A380 dedicated facilities.
• Every aspect of the expansion is designed for high volume passenger throughput, associated with full fledged A380 operations.


Terminal 3
• Multi-level underground structure measuring 300mX350m
• Built-up area of approximately 515,000 m²
• Departure/Arrival halls located 20m below the apron and taxiways
• 220 check-in counters
• 14 baggage belts
• Restaurants
• First & Business Class lounges
• 2600 underground parking spaces
• Terminal 3 and associated facility will have a car park for 2600 cars, there are a total of 157 elevators, 97 escalators and 82 moving walkways (travelators)
• Since Terminal 3 is underground, the baggage handling system here is not only the largest such system in the world, but also the deepest
• Total length of baggage belt is 90 kilometers and it will handle around 15,000 items of baggage per hour
• 8,000 bags per hour can be checked-in at the check-in counters
• The baggage handling solution is a combination of belt and tray technology
• The system can transport baggage at 7.5 metres per second
• It has up to 800 RFID read/write stations for 100% accurate tracking
• To eliminate disruptions, the system is designed to handle baggage larger than the norm and of indeterminate shape