Dubai Intl Airport (DXB) Flights & Flight Status

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the busiest airport in the Middle East, and busiest in the world for international travellers. This is largely due to its geographic location, which puts it within a four-hour flight of a third of the world’s population, and within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the population. Despite its busyness, the airport rarely feels crowded. When I visited for the first time as a transit passenger en route from London Heathrow to Bangkok, I was pleasantly surprised by how seamless the process was thanks to a well-organised layout and efficient staff.

Major changes on the horizon

It’s worth noting that DXB will be superseded by Dubai World Central Airport upon its completion in circa 2030. Located to the south of the city, it is set to be the largest airport in the world and will gradually take over all operations from DXB.

A central location

DXB is located in Dubai’s Al Garhoud district, near the historic Deira quarter and approximately 3 miles from the city centre. I love the aerial views afforded by this airport’s location, which show the futuristic city flanked by the Arabian Gulf and the endless, golden desert. Book a window seat and look out for landmarks including Palm Jumeirah and Palm Jebel Ali, and Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building.

Navigating the airport

The airport supports over 100 airlines offering flights to around 260 destinations worldwide. There are 3 terminals. Terminal 1 houses D-Gates for international flights. Terminal 2 houses F-Gates for regional and charter flights. The largest is Terminal 3, which includes 3 concourses (for A-Gates, B-Gates and C-Gates) and separate drop-off and check-in desks for First and Business Class passengers.

This terminal is predominantly reserved for Emirates flights, since the UAE flag carrier accounts for roughly half of all passenger traffic and is based at DXB. However, a few other airlines (flydubai, Qantas, United Airlines and Air Canada) also fly from Terminal 3.

While you can walk to F-, B- and C-Gates, D-Gates in Terminal 1 and A-Gates in Terminal 3 can only be reached via airport train. Airside transfers are conducted automatically for those with connecting flights. For landside transfers, hop in a cab or ride the metro connecting Terminals 1 and 3. If you need assistance, simply ask one of the many airport staff wearing a ‘May I Help You’ vest.

Useful services

Wi-Fi is fast, free and unlimited throughout DXB. Other convenient services offered in each terminal range from currency exchange bureaus to baby care rooms, medical centres and 24-hour pharmacies, Muslim prayer rooms and smoking rooms. Luggage trolleys are available free of charge, while porters, bag wrapping and short-term luggage storage (Terminals 1 and 3 only) are offered for a minimal fee. Complimentary showers can be found in Terminal 3.

An upscale shopping experience

Although I wouldn’t say that the shops at DXB are particularly novel, they are plentiful. Dubai Duty Free outlets dominate, with seven locations in Terminal 1, one in Terminal 2 and 11 in Terminal 3. Inside, you’ll find counters selling everything from perfume to electronics, spirits and tobacco.

The airport also boasts a slew of luxury boutiques – think Fortnum & Mason for gourmet food, and Tiffany & Co for jewellery. Internationally renowned fashion houses are particularly well represented, so if your budget stretches to Gucci, Chanel or Salvatore Ferragamo, you’re in luck.

Diverse drinking and dining

There are more than 40 different dining outlets spread across the 3 terminals, some of which have multiple locations. As with the shops, the greatest choice is in Terminal 3. North American fast food outlets, Asian a la carte dining, healthy cafés and juice bars – you’ll find something for every taste at DXB.

My favourites include Asian Street Kitchen for made-to-order noodles and dumplings, and The Sports Shack for its pool table, sports screens and Western pub fare (great when travelling with fussy kids). A note on alcohol: while it’s readily available in licensed restaurants and bars, be careful not to over-indulge – being intoxicated in public is illegal in Dubai.

Ways to spend a layover

I’m often surprised that such a busy and well-serviced airport has relatively few recreational offerings. The focus is really on retail and restaurants. However, there are 2 fun options: Game Space, a 24-hour gaming lounge offering the latest solo and multiplayer games (Terminal 3). At the other end of the spectrum, 4 spa outlets in Terminal 3 and 1 in Terminal 1 offer massages and beauty treatments in between flights.

Lounges at DXB

The airport excels in its wide choice of airport lounges. Some are reserved for passengers on specific airlines (Emirates, British Airways, Lufthansa and Gulf Air all have their own dedicated lounges). Others are for Business and First Class passengers on any airline. These include the Dubai International First Class and Dubai International Business Class lounges, and the Ahlan Lounges for First and Business Class passengers.

There are also several options for passengers travelling with any airline, in any class. These are available on a pay-per-use basis and should be booked in advance for the best rates and guaranteed access. My personal favourite is the Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 3, which stands out for its contemporary Arabic decor and live cooking stations.

I also like that this lounge offers 4 private suites for up to 6 guests, each with butler service. Standard offerings in all lounges include comfortable seating areas, work stations, showers and complimentary food and drink. The quality of the latter varies – Emirates First and Business Lounge guests, for example, can expect a Moet & Chandon bar for Champagne and canapé pairings.

If you’re travelling for business, the pay-per-use Their Patio lounge in Terminal 3 offers dedicated resources ranging from meeting and conference rooms to co-working spaces and printing and photocopying services. There’s also a full-service business centre located at Dubai International Hotel.

Options for catching up on sleep

Those with an extended layover or late arrival can check in at the 5-star Dubai International Hotel without having to clear customs. It’s located in Terminal 3 and accepts both hourly and overnight bookings. Reservations include a meet and greet service, which makes arriving in a new country and navigating an unfamiliar airport a lot less stressful. Other facilities include a restaurant, gym, spa and pool.

DXB also offers Sleep ‘n Fly lounges at Concourses A, B and C in Terminal 3, and in Terminal 1. I love the idea of these lounges, where guests can find peace and privacy in a sleep pod or single, double or bunk cabin. Some lounges even have showers. However, considering the cost and limited space of these cabins, I think a conventional hotel room offers better value for money.

Getting to and from the airport

The easiest ways to travel to and from the airport are by metro or cab.

Metro

Dubai’s metro system is famous for its cleanliness and efficiency. It’s also unusually simple to navigate, given that it has just two lines. Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 both have a station on the Red Line and for many visitors, this is the easiest and cheapest way to get to the city centre. You can purchase single tickets at the station or invest in a Nol card with prepaid credit for further journeys around the city.

Fares are very reasonable, and if it’s your first time visiting Dubai I highly recommend paying a little extra for a seat in the Gold Class carriage. Located at the front of the train, it has a huge front window affording breathtaking views of the city. There’s also a carriage exclusively for women and children.

Cab

If your flight departs or arrives in the early morning, however, the metro may not yet be open. Metro passengers are also limited to 1 checked bag and 1 carry-on each. If you have a lot of luggage, are flying early or simply prefer to travel in private, a taxi is the best alternative. There are well-signposted, official taxi ranks at each terminal and these operate 24/7.

I really love that in Dubai, the cream coloured cabs have a pink trim if they’re operated by a female driver. After a taxi hijacking incident in Tanzania, I often worry about taking a cab alone in a new city, and this is an amazing way to help put female visitors at ease. No matter which taxi you choose, fares are metered, standardised and subject to an additional airport surcharge.

Car hire and parking

If you plan on exploring Dubai by car, you’ll find a choice of hire companies in all three terminals. These include internationally trusted names such as Europcar, Hertz, Sixt and Thrifty.

In terms of parking, Terminals 1 and 2 both offer a premium car park and a more affordable one, the difference being the time it takes to walk to the terminal. Terminal 3 offers a single, multi-storey car park located a three-minute walk away. There is no dedicated long-term parking and daily rates add up quickly, so travelling to the airport by public transport is advised for extended trips.