Planning for Dubai Duty Free expansion begins

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Only 18 months since opening the Sheikh Rashid terminal and the 5,400sq m (58,104sq ft) Dubai Duty Free shopping mall, the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) has progressed to the contracts phase for the construction of terminal three and other related expansion. Dubai Duty Free confirmed to TRW the scale of the project, which will mean that four years from now, it will re-double duty-free operations to around 11,000sq m (118,630sq ft).

Dubai International airport's Dh9.25bn ($3bn) phase 2 expansion includes the expansion of passenger facilities: the new terminal 3, concourse 2 and concourse 3. Cargo facilities are being expanded, which includes the Mega Terminal, plus aviation and special facilities such as the VIP Pavilion, Royal Air Wing, technical /administration facilities, catering and duty-free warehouses.

The terminal 3 building is expected to represent a radical departure in terms of its design when compared to the existing terminal. Located slightly beneath the apron and taxiway area it will directly link with concourse 2. This will be the first major difference between terminal 3 and the existing terminal 1, which is linked to the concourse (Sheikh Rashid terminal) via a tunnel.

The DCA said the new design by Aeroports de Paris, will be highly innovative with reduced walking distances, and will highlight the image of Dubai by creating a new visual experience from landside, open and landscaped. The main features of the terminal 3 building are a multi-level underground structure, first-class lounges and dedicated counters, restaurants, 180 check-in counters and 2,600 underground parking spaces.

The new concourse 2, which will be directly connected to terminal 3 and the Sheikh Rashid terminal, is dedicated exclusively for Emirates. The main features of the building will be an additional 10,000sq m (107,600sq ft) of commercial space which will include Dubai Duty Free and restaurants, a 300-room hotel and health club. A smaller concourse 3 will connect to concourse 2 by electric buses with spill-over facilities for the Airbus A380 super jumbo.