The demands of modern air traffic services and the positive indication of the growing importance of Dubai Airport emphasize the need for new terminal building and runway/taxi way systems.

The three-story terminal building is 110 meters long with a total enclosed floor area of 13,100 square meters. At the western end of the main building is sited a single-story operations block from which rises the 28 meter high Control Tower. The lower level of the main building is given over to operational and servicing facilities and is completely separated from the passenger flow. It contains principally the baggage handling facilities, kitchens, employees changing rooms, cafeteria and catering services.

It was in November, 1970, that an additional £2.7 million contract for the design and reconstruction of the runway, a new taxi way and the installation of new airfield lighting throughout was finalized. All runway work plus greatly improved lighting system was completed by the end of November 1971.

The need for extra parking space persisted due to the annual increase in aircraft movements. To meet this requirement the main apron was extended eastwards in 1973, which was followed by a second eastwards extension in 1976. A third extension to the west and widening of the main apron was completed in 1980.


Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture